Robert Karl, Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley), 2000

From the bottle, this Cabernet is sourced from grapes grown in partner vineyards out of Columbia Valley Washington. This is more of a Bordeaux blend: 77% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot, and 5% cabernet franc. It is 13.6% alcohol by volume.

Where did I find it: AZ Wines

What did I pair it with: Monchego cheese and char siu duck

Appearance: Thick reddish brick color and heavy legs.

Smell: Sour berries, cassis, and tobacco.

Palate Entry: Dry from the start, with an old world taste to it – that cabernet franc really comes through.
Mid Palate: Tannins are light, but expand the mouth feel, introducing the taste of coffee bean. Finish: The tannins are still light, but very drying – it was a good match with oily meat.

Price: $20.00
Quality rating: 90/100
Value rating: 47.50/60

Takeaway: This is the third time I’ve had the wine, and it seems to be on the decline, but for such a balanced wine, I think it is in a tweener stage – if I had another bottle, I’d hold it for another 3-5 years and try it again. For the money, I’d probably look into something else, but don’t discount future vintages of Robert Karl; it has been historically pretty good.