We’ve only got a small amount of this guy left and, though the name wasn’t originally one that I was familiar with, the wine is fantastic and has garnered a brace of back-to-back 95- and 96-point reviews two years in a row! Two vintages, a total of four stellar scores…they must be doing something right! Check this out!
Here’s a bit from the producer: “A homage to Stephan Asseo of L’Aventure Winery became an obsession. Sourced from exceptional vineyard sites around Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and south to Edna Valley, this wine is cultivated meticulously by the farmers who have become My Favorite Neighbors. With their dedication to the land, we are able to craft a world class wine without any shortcuts or compromises. Welcome to our Neighborhood. 2019’s abundant winter rain and a long, moderate growing season allowed for extended hang times and exceptional fruit quality. The 2019 My Favorite Neighbor features a complex nose of red cherry, currant and raspberry along with wild herbs, violets, and just a hint of toasted marshmallow. On the palate, generous flavors of black cherry, ripe plum, and fig compote is joined by notes of medium roast coffee and creme brulee. The extremely long and mineral finish is characterized by a hefty structure and luxurious, silky tannins.”
The wine itself is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 8% Petite Sirah, 3% Syrah, and 1% Malbec, aged 18 months in French oak, 70% new and 30% neutral. And seriously, check out this press!
“Blended with a bit of Syrah and Petit Verdot, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby-purple color and an alluring fragrance of cassis, violet, aniseed, bitter chocolate and coffee beans. It’s notable this vintage for Goldilocks ripeness and seamless lift, offering a chocolate-like texture and very long finish.”
96pts, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is more elegant and focused, with medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of cassis, redcurrants, green tobacco, and cedary spice. I love its texture, it has ripe, polished tannins, plenty of sweet fruit, and a great, great finish, all while staying in a relatively compact, and again, elegant package. As I’ve written in the past, it would cost three to four times the price from Napa. It’s worth noting the change in appellation from Paso Robles to San Luis Obispo County, which probably allows for a wider range of fruit.”
95pts, Jeb Dunnuck
If you’re looking to gift a rich California Cabernet with wide appeal, and are looking for one that’s not something you’re going to find just anywhere, why not give this guy a try?
$54.99/bottle (limited stock available)
Cheers,
Dan
Rock Bridge Wine and Spirits 