Cabernet Sauvignon, 2015. C3

We were a bit chagrined at such a sparse name for this wine until we did some digging and saw that it was made by Henri and Claire Vandendriessche of White Rock Vineyards. White Rock has been one of our favorite wineries for more than 30 years.

They purchased the 64 acre property in 1977 after learning of its incredible history. The property was originally planted by a Dr. Pettinghill in 1870 and began using a hand saw to cut the white rock on the property so he could plant his vines. Thus, the name was born.

White Rock's wines usually sell for $60 to over $100 per bottle and worth every penny. When they came to us with a lot from grapes they had purchased at a great price, we were very interested. It was other worldly. It spent 24 months in French oak barrels, the same time their other reds spend and had similar aspects to their other wines at a fraction of the price. How could we resist?

The grapes came from two sources, Atlas Peak and Oakville. Atlas Peak provides the backbone and tannic structure to the wine while Oakville donates all the fleshy, luscious black fruit and earth that screams Napa Valley. From the dark, brooding color to the exacting plum and anise aromas and flavors, this beauty charms at every point. At nearly seven years old, it is beginning to reach its potential, but has years to go. The pinpoint flavors and tannins make it a natural for Veal Oscar or steak Diane.

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