Paradise Found

One of the things I like most about wine is that there are always exceptions to rules.  Case in point is 1997 Napa Valley Cabernets.  General consensus seems to be that this vintage was over rated, dried up and after all the hype, a disappointment in the aging department. Someone forgot to tell Caymus!

Due to some upcoming medical procedures Sunday was the last day until Friday or Saturday that wine could be a part of my day.  There was no sense to spend the day on something common so we pulled the cork on a 2007 Caymus Napa Calley Cabernet.  We paired it with a rack of lamb.

The cork came out of the bottle and it was like drinking cabernet sauvignon while sitting in a cedar closet.  Dark fruit and cedar aromas just oozed from the glass.  Luxurious mouth feel and ripe cassis, black currant and dark cherry flavors.  Perfect balance between sweet and savory, tart and luscious.  Perfectly mature wine that retained an appealing bit of understatement. 

The lamb was pan seared and then basted with a mixture of garlic,rosemary, thyme, olive oil and Dijon mustard.  It was popped into a slow oven and allowed to come to medium rare.

A bit of lamb, a sip of wine, and repeat-repeat-repeat etc.  Just a perfect match.  Wonderful food and spectacular wine. 

Pictured below is the lamb in the intermediate stage - after searing and before hitting the oven