Mario Bazan Cellars
2011 RAMA Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon
California: Napa Valley
Mission Briefing
An Inside Job
Our search for sub-$100 Napa Valley Cab starts in the vineyards. We look for a vineyard manager in a truck, that’s our connection. Mario Bazan knows the golden plots in the Napa Valley after 30 years of managing some of the sweetest dirt on earth. This is fabulous Cab from an insider source. It tastes like a wine of 2-3 times the price.
Tasting Profile
| Look: | A lustrous scarlet, with flecks of inky dark purple and ruby swirling through as well. |
|---|---|
| Smell: | A beautiful representation of high-elevation aromatics. Concentrated dark fruit is pared with eucalyptus, cedar wood, dried Provençal herbs, clove, anise, and black peppercorn spice. |
| Taste: | A tremendous depth of flavor on this wine - you’d think you’re sipping a top dollar cult Napa Cab. Braised dark plum and black cherry are laid overtop mint, cedar, toasty vanilla bean, peppercorn, coffee bean, dark chocolate, and a bit of clove. |
| Finish: | A lingering finish, highlighted by velvety tannins and fantastic structure. A delight to drink, with the high-elevation aromatics sticking with you through the very end. |
| Pairing: | Black peppercorn encrusted filet mignon, seared in cast iron. |
What the Winery Says
- Winemaker
- David DeSante
- Accolades
- 92 Points - Sommelier & Wine Critic Chris Sawyer
- Appellation
- Napa Valley
- Fruit Variety
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Barrel Regime
- Aged in select French oak
- ABV
- 13.5%