Availability: Not yet released
Cost: $29 (est)
Alcohol: 14.6%
Date Tasted: August 16th, 2012
Tasting Notes: Cassini has such an impression portfolio of wines it's hard to definitively call-out one as the winery's "flagship" release, but if I had to pick one it would be this tasty Meritage. This year's blend has 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc and takes on more of a herbal-bell pepper style than in the previous two vintages, likely due to the cooler 2010 growing season. The late harvest created lots of sugar in the grapes and thus the alcohol levels are similar to the hotter 2009 season, but some of the big reds are a bit low with their phenolic ripeness adding a touch of "green" characters in the wine.
In the case of the Maximus, with its food-loving flavour profile of cassis, dark cherry, boysenberry, green peppers, sage and scorched earth, the "greenness" can simply be appreciated as vintage variation since there is so much else on offer. A pleasantly complex wine with good acidity and structure; very youthful at the time of this tasting and likely a good 6+ months away from being ready. It won't take as long to mature as the 2009, though it doesn't have the same upside either. Drink 2013-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment