Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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bridesmaid05.gif2005 Bridesmaid Red Napa Valley. Cabernet Sauvignon Blend.

Pam Starr, Crocker & Starr and formerly at Spottswoode, and Drew Neiman, who worked with Kongsgaard and Luna, have teamed up to create the Bridesmaid line of wines that offer big Napa flavors at fair prices, which shows their talents and hit the sweet spot in the market, especially now. This vintage of Bridesmaid Red is a unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a touch of Syrah and one that works well making for a easy to love wine that has all the ripe and powerful fruit you could ever want, but it comes with refined and smooth tannins that make for a fun wine to enjoy young. The nose is fruity and hints at perfume before a big mouth of red fruits and a mix of plums, cassis, currants and liqueur notes with touches of mocha, cedar and vanilla. All in all a very impressive wine that has the richness of a Cabernet, while drinking fun like a polished Zinfandel. There is focus and clean winemaking in this Napa Valley red blend and it is very well balanced with a nice bright note that keeps things fresh, even five years since its harvest, enjoy now! ($39 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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By admin