Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 05 MAGNUM |
|
|
Collectible, large format bottle for cellaring. Randy Dunn's take on Washington Cabernet. Extremely limited. |
| Previous Vintage tasting notes Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rating 93 points: "Feather, a member of the Long Shadows consortium, is produced by Randy Dunn, of Napa Valley (Howell Mountain) fame. As would be expected from Dunn, the 2003 Feather (437 cases) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and sports a dark, opaque color. Its bold aromatics reveal loads of roasted black fruits and spices. A massive effort, it is thick, dense, and powerful. Layers of licorice and tar-laced black fruits are found in its velvety-textured core as well as in its long finish. Though unquestionably a Randy Dunn wine, one that's loaded for bear (not quail), its finish reveals ripe, round tannin that is sweeter and more civilized than any I've encountered in Dunn's California behemoths (and I own many!). Projected maturity: 2009-2020+." Wine Spectator 92 points: "Supple, velvety style stacks pepper and coffee notes on top of a vivid core of blackberry, raspberry and currant fruit that just doesn't quit. Attractive now, but should develop additional depth with time in the bottle. New from winemaker Randy Dunn. Best from 2008 through 2014.-H.S. The Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 03 shows its California influences. It is concentrated and dark in color, with flavors dominated by black cherry, toasted cocoa bean, and blackberry in the mid-palate. There are hints of warm spice throughout the wine, and the overall impression is richly viscous, lush, and opulent. Randy has managed the high sugars of the fruit and found balance, with acidity and tannic structure to hold the wine together for short term cellaring. Like many a CA Cab, Feather is so pretty now, it seems destined for summer grilling, with steak or rack of lamb on the menu. Feather seems most CA in style in the finish, which fills the mouth and lingers with flavors of black currant and blackberry, and hints of herbs. In ripeness and richness, it's quite California. Feather is a very different wine from the Dunn Vineyards Cabs. It's not something I would cellar for years and pull out for the occasion of a lifetime. Feather is what it is, a new, first interpretation of Washington Cabernet from a genius winemaker, in a hot vintage where he was getting to know the fruit. How is Feather different from other 2003 Washington Cabs? Perhaps Randy benefited from the hot season. If CA Cabs are know for their fuller-bodied, rather high in alcohol, riper and richer qualities, the heat of 2003 gave Randy the grapes. Used to the hotter seasons in CA, was 2003 less of a stretch, more familiar to Randy than a cooler year would have been? From the winery: Feather is a richly concentrated wine with ripe black cherry and mocha aromas. Toasty on entry, the wine's dark fruit flavors include an intense blackberry mid-palate highlighted by a lush, spicy finish. An age-worthy wine, yet approachable and elegant with a unique balance of tannins, acidity and richness. Vintage: Enthusiasts who enjoy big, rich, fruit-forward wines will find the Columbia Valley's 2003 vintage to their liking. This was one of Washington's warmest seasons on record with overall heat accumulation rivaling the high numbers posted in 1998. Temperatures were consistently warm from June through August giving the vines time to acclimate to the temperatures and allowing grapes and flavors to ripen in tandem at an even pace. In short, 2003 was another remarkable Columbia Valley vintage from start to finish. Winemaking: Randy Dunn's Napa Valley cabernets from Dunn Vineyards are made of the stuff collectors crave; the wines are rare, acclaimed and age-worthy. Those who know Randy's wines will likely find Feather, his first cab outside of California in four decades of winemaking, different than his Napa cabs but to their taste. What's perhaps most notable about Feather is its showy style early-on, a reflection of Randy's appreciation for the Columbia Valley's softer, more supple wines. Throughout the growing season, Randy flew his plane to Washington frequently, checking yields, tasting the grapes and seeking a dark complexion on the skins before making the call to pick. Aged 23 months in Vicard French oak, his cooper of choice at Dunn Vineyards as well. Vineyards: Randy chose a diverse selection of Washington vineyards to create a multi-layered wine. This debut release is a combination of Red Mountain grapes (43%) chosen for their rich mouth-feel; Horse Heaven Hills vineyards (54%) favored for depth and elegance; and 30-year-old vines from Sagemoor Vineyard north of Pasco (3%) for structure. Alcohol: 14.2% < br/> pH: 3.69< br/> TA: 0.64 grams / 100ml< br/> Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon< br/> |
 |
| |
|
|
Home | Site
Map | About
NW Wine | Shop
for Wine | Highest
Rated | Wine
Clubs | NW
Wine News | Search | View
Cart Reproduction
of any part of this site prohibited without permission. |
