2006 Audelssa Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley (12/12/2010)

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 1 hour decant. Pretty ruby red with neon edges. Nose of black cherry, sassafras & red plums. Palate shows those fruits with an intensity that is pretty great. A very focused and vibrant Cabernet that shows a cool cab profile. Its floral and fragrant with cherries on top. There is a cherry Herring liquor quality that I find fascinating. It could be dangerous if over-done, but for the moment it stays pleasing. A medium weight mouth-feel with firm structure. Tannins are refined but ever-present. A near perfect balance. The dark fruits style on the tongue long after the wine has gone down. There is the ever so smallest hint of cool menthol on the tail end as well. What a great QPR. I might have to go back for more. (91 pts.)