2006 Ladera Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2006

Producer/Winery: Ladera

Wine: Cabernet Sauvignon

Country: USA

Region: California

Appellation: Napa Valley

Varietal Composition: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot.

 Aging: 17 months, 100 % French oak.  39% new / 61 % used

Climate: Maritime

Alcohol: 14.5%

Winemaker: Karen Culler

Bottle Value: $40 USD

Where: Walla Walla    When: January 1, 2010         With whom: Greg, Peter, Tom, Dustin and Megan

Perspective:  Fun, easy drinking Napa Cabernet with all the right components.  Dark, berry fruits, toasty new oak spices, and fleshy tannins make this wine into something that can be enjoyed any night of the week.  Drink while it’s young and decant for 30 minutes for best results.  If you looking for a cellar wine, Ladera makes a nice Howell Mountain Cabernet that can be stowed away.   

Systematic Approach

Appearance: Clear clarity. Deep garnet core and rim.  No sediment or deposits.

Nose: Clean. Medium (+) youthful aromas of toasty oak, blackberry, cassis and plum.

Palate: Dry. Medium acidity. Medium (+) soft/ripe tannins.  Medium (+) alcohol.  Medium (+) body.  Medium (+) intense flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry, vanillin, and plum.  Balance – Dry.  Refreshing acidity, well-integrated tannins, generous alcohol and well-defined fruit. Texture – clay-textured tannins and fleshy viscosity.  Overall Impression – Refreshing ripeness, expressive freshness and harmonious. Medium length.

Conclusion: Good quality for texture and balance. Drink now or hold for the next 3-5 years.

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