We wrap up our review of the Carolina Wines Grand Tasting at Symphony Hall with three excellent wines from St. Helena in Napa Valley.
ROMBAUER VINEYARDS, St. Helena, Napa Valley CA
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon $65/bottle
Let’s start with “wow!” The balance between tannins, fruit and finish is truly a masterpiece. It’s got a full-body mouthfeel and provides a silky, satisfying finish. It’s $65/bottle and worth every penny. I don’t get the low-ish ratings from the elite wine reviewers; using the 100-point system, I’d give it a 94. We’re not sure what the national reviewers tasted but they ought to try it again. Buy? If budget were no issue this would be a no-brainer buy. At $65, it will be an occasional splurge.
MERRYVALE VINEYARDS, St. Helena, Napa Valley CA
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon $60/bottle
Velvety tannins complement this medium body Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn from Oakville 88, Erba Loma and Stagecoach vineyards. Delicious cherry and black fruit flavors tie nicely to the long satisfying finish. Another terrific wine that outdoes others at twice the price. Despite the national reviewers’ opinions this is still an amazing wine for the price. Buy? Another great splurge wine
So, you might ask, did Lisa attend the Grand Tasting at Symphony Hall? Yes, yes I did. And I found a grand total of one wine to praise.
DECOY WINES, St. Helena, Napa Valley, CA
Sonoma County Rosé, 2017 $16/bottle
Decoy is one of Duckhorn Vineyards’ lower-priced labels. The third vintage of the rosé was inspired by the “great French rosés,” according to the winemaker. A bone-dry blend of 69% Syrah, 14% Vermentino, 9% Carignan, 8% Pinot Noir, the Decoy Rosé was crisp, with mineral notes and soft spices. Buy? Absolutely!
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