Santo Stefano Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998; Alexander Valley, Sonoma CountyMar 14 '04 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line A satisfying wine for those who enjoy fruit. Winner: Bronze Medal, Los Angeles County Fair (2001).
Santo Stefano is a little-known brand of the San Antonio Winery -- a historic Los Angeles, California, winery that has grown, quite quietly, to become the 25th largest wine company in America. Santo Stefano wines (all Cabs) are products of Sonoma's Alexander Valley and are produced under the care of consulting winemaker Karen Culler, a UC Davis grad who started her career working for the Robert Mondavi Winery. http://www.laderavineyards.com/winemaker.html I purchased this wine at the San Antonio Winery on February 14th of the year... while enjoying a special Valentine's lunch with my wife. Santo Stefano Cabernet Sauvignon, 1998 Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ------------------------------------------------------------ Production: This wine is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon; fruit harvested from Santo Stefano's Demostene and Saiti vineyards in Sonoma's Alexander Valley. Aged 24 months in oak barrels (35% new America). This is a limited release wine, with fewer than 6,800 cases produced. Alcohol: About 13.5% ABV Appearance: Dark crimson from rim to core, fully extracted color. 4/5 Aroma: Fresh raspberry and juicy blackberry with a sweet vanillin oak undertone. Very attractive. 17/20 Flavor/Body: Soft and silky mouthfeel with bright cherry, currant, and blackberry flavors and a soft touch of dark chocolate and tobacco. 35/40 Finish: Full of fruit flavors and a lot of oak vanillin. Ends a little bit bright and acidic, but overall a satisfying wine for those who enjoy fruit. 8/10 Overall: 22/25. Winner: Bronze Medal, Los Angeles County Fair (2001). My score: 86. 4 stars; very good. A tad bit expensive for the quality received. In this price range, I'd recommend, instead, the Simi Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2001 (the subject of a future review.) Price: I purchased this wine at the San Antonio Winery, Los Angeles. Suggested retail price of $29.95 per bottle (availble from the winery's website). I paid $19.95 (plus 8.25% sales tax) at the tasting bar. If you are ever in the Los Angeles area, I definitely recommend a stop at the winery's tasting room. (Free tasting; 3 glass limit but no one seems to count the glasses so long as you are buying wine.) More information about the San Antonio Winery and its family of excellent wines is available at the company's home site: http://www.riboliwines.com/ Online store: http://www.sanantoniowinery.com/wineclub/products.asp Cheers!  |
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