2020 Hindsight Cabernet Sauvignon with Christmas Dinner
The Winery
Previously I have written about the Hindsight Winery in Calistoga and their excellent red wines, especially their Cabernet Sauvignon. About two years ago their long time winemaker, Jack Cole retired. Now some excellent news—they hired Michael Weis, who was the head winemaker at Groth. He is well known for making spectacular wines and I believe he received 100 points from Wine Spectator for one of his Sauvignon Blanc vintages. Additional reading about the winery and ownership can be found at:
Recently they have made arrangements for their wines to be tasted at 1124 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga at the Vault in Calistoga. Their phone number is 707-341-3321.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
The 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made with 100% Napa Valley fruit. On the eyes it was dark and alluring one to sip. On the nose, black cherry and blackberries sprang forth with a rich boutique. On the palate the fruits “jumped with joy” in the mouth bringing back memories of excellent wines enjoyed from the region. On the finish layers of enjoyment, structure that was defined and velvety tannins provided a lingering savory finish. For $45/bottle this is truly a bargain offering such “wonderment” in a bottle. It will make my list for Best Wines tasted in the 2024 annual list (December 15th, 2023 to December 15th, 2024).
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired for our Christmas dinner of seasoned prime rib cooked to medium rare with uncut horseradish, roasted Brussel sprouts with a balsamic glaze, cheesy potatoes and garlic French bread. A delicious meal and the wine complemented the prime rib to perfection.
Sláinte,
Michael