Wine of the Week: The Santa Ynez Valley 2006 Jarhead Red Reserve

Among wine drinkers, many have some reservation of a wine label that is custom made. Perhaps, there comes a stereotype with a title that doesn’t represent the type of wine or the vineyard. Often times, a bottle with colorful art and a catchy name phrase slapped on an X-brand wine isn’t what it appears. Yes, it may catch the eye, but inside is less than a quality product.

Jarhead Red Reserve is not one of these wines. I was pleasantly surprised to find out, that former Marine Captain and Firestone winegrower, Adam Firestone was behind the mastery of this vintage.

Started in 1999 and grown in the valleys of Santa Ynez, the Jarhead red was created. This vintage is loaded with the finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes then aged in French oak for approximately 8 to 14 months to give it that full bodied flavor. While my tasting notes are vague, there is a definite taste of ripe plum, spicy pepper accompanied with chocolate truffles. This is by far a great steak and barbecue wine.

With the celebratory holiday of 4th of July just around the corner, stock up with this handsome bottle and give it to a friend or relative who has served in the Marine Corp. as a gift. All net proceeds will benefit the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. This fund aids special educational attention to children of fallen Marines.
Price: $22-$25

This special limited vintage can be found at your local wine tasting shop.

Wine of the Week: 2006 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon of Red Hills Lake County

2006 Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills Lake County

This bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon was chosen for its immediate appeal. While I was on a tasting tour of assorted reds, this wine was on my second pour. I raised my hand and gestured to the bar tender to, “Stop right there. I’d like a full glass and a bottle to take home.”

This is an exceptional wine. Immediately from the pour, I knew it was going to be great from the sight of deep reds and plum color. I picked up the glass and I took a deep breath through my nose and took in the richness of plum, blackberries, and cinnamon aromas.

On the palate, it is even more exquisitely refreshing with tastes of ripened black cherry, juicy ripe plums, currants, and bold tannins that electrify the taste buds. While this wine is rich in fruit flavor, there are also tastes of earth which is rich from the very-much-alive, volcanic soil from the high appellations of Red Hills in Lake County. These mineral traits come through with hints of French oak and spicy white pepper.

While this wine may be enjoyed with an assortment of dishes, I implore you to enjoy it à la carte. This Cabernet deserves the utmost and complete attention by itself.

Pricing
When this vintage was introduced, it received an 89 point rating and retail price was introduced at around $45 per bottle. Due to the hardship of the current economy, the price has been reduced to around $25 per bottle.