When I hear “Bonanza”, I think instantly of the wildly popular 1960s action-packed western TV series starring actor Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright and his three disparate sons – “Hoss” (Dan Blocker) was my favorite – corralling steer on the Ponderosa ranch and defending it from unscrupulous bad guys.
If only the Cartwrights had planted vineyards on their sprawling Nevada ranch, the show – which ran from 1959-1973 – might still be on the air albeit with a new twist: The Cartwright boys chasing down viticultural villains. OK, I’m dreaming – and also showing my age.
Well, there’s a new “Bonanza” in town – and it’s one of my two best wine buys for this weekend. Read on.
“Bonanza” ($25 SRP) is a 100 percent California Cabernet Sauvignon created by Chuck Wagner, winemaker at the famous Wagner Family-owned Caymus Vineyards in Napa Valley. Wagner’s premium Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon ($180) is annually rated one of the top wines in the world, while the second label Caymus Napa Valley ($85) also gains high honors. Both draw exquisite fruit from Napa’s most prestigious vineyards, including Atlas Peak.
Bonanza is not Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet. Still, it is a fine representation of the state’s abundant fruit and it’s made by Wagner, a seasoned winemaker who appreciates enjoying a simple family meal with a decent, less-than-expensive glass of wine. In Bonanza, Wagner achieves the lofty goal of delivering a rich Cabernet taste without the hefty price tag. The wine’s fruit comes from eight different California appellations, although none are listed on the bottle. Also of note, Bonanza is a non-vintage Cabernet, meaning the grapes – or fermented juice – may be from multiple vintages. Wagner labels the bottle “California Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 1.”
Bonanza (14.6 alcohol content) hits the jackpot on freshness, taste, and value. I found it to be silky smooth and layered with delicious flavors – blueberry and blackberry fruit upfront followed by toasty vanilla, caramel and chocolate nuances on the finish. There’s a smoked meat character to it, like the savory scent of a grilled steak sizzling in a serving pan.
Now here’s the real deal. Bonanza made its debut recently at the Sam Messina’s Wine ConneXtion in North Andover. That’s where I tasted it and = where it’s selling for the outlandish price of $18.99 a bottle – a 24 percent discount off the suggested retail price. The wine is not available in New Hampshire. So what are you waiting for?
My second pick of the weekend is the 2016 Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon from the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA in Paso Robles, CA. This cool climate Cabernet (14.1 percent alcohol) regularly sells for $19.99 and is now on sale in New Hampshire for $16.99. That’s a stampede bargain for California juice of this kind.
When I drink a Cabernet, I want to sense the land, sea and air of its origins. I also want bold flavors and a velvety soft frame. Ancient Peaks Cab fits the bill on both counts: It’s high-octane yet easy to drink. The winery’s Margarita Vineyard holds all the cards for a Cab of distinction. Located 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean, it sits below the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains and boasts five different soil types: ancient sea beds, rocky alluvium, shale, volcanic and granite. Ancient Peaks Cab, aged 16 months in French and American oak, gets a touch of Petit Verdot and Petit Sirah in its final blend to enhance its color (dark purple) and black fruit flavors. My tasting notes follow: “Fragrant nose. Sweet black cherry and plum fruit tastes hit the palate first. Spicy and savory buildup to a mouthwatering finish. A silky texture. A classy Cabernet.”
Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile wine that will pair with richly textured dishes like rack of lamb and pasta with beef ragu` or grilled meats. We enjoyed it immensely with a hearty stew of beef medallions in a mushroom sauce, and accompanied with roasted potatoes, sweet yams, and a green salad.
Recent Comments