2003 Sempre Vive

Having had such a good experience with the 2006 vintage of Romeo Vineyards Sempre Vive Cabernet Sauvignon a month or so ago I manage to locate a couple bottles from the 2003 vintage.

This one was a tiny bit higher in alcohol, but it was still smooth and elegant.  The cherries and plums were full flavored and that bit of graphite was stronger here than in the 2006 bottle.  It's a taste and sensation I very much like in moderation.  This was still a young wine with a soft but firm bit of tannin at the finish.

Dinner was a rib steak rubbed with a mixture of chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, sugar and pepper and allowed to rest for four hours in the refrigerator before hitting the grill.  Full flavored steak that really stood up to this wine.  Very good together and probably a meal that will be repeated.

Romeo Vineyards Sempre Vive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.  14.5% alcohol and $20.