As Good As It Gets

For several years now I have believed that the red wines from Kinkead Ridge are at their best with about five years of age on them.  Five years gives time to all parts of the wine to integrate with each other.   

Yesterday evening was cool but very sunny and dry so I fired up the grill.  The entree was two Colorado lamb chops which were seasoned with salt and pepper and allowed to rest for four hours.  The were seared on one side over the hot coals then flipped over to the other side and moved to a cooler section of the grill.  They were painted with an emulsion of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme and Dijon mustard and allowed to finish cooking slowly. 

No question that this was a red wine meal so I pulled out a bottle of the 2005 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.  This one was eight years out from the vintage and the minute the cork came out there was no doubt that the extra three years did great things for this wine.

The color was beautifully mature with all hints of purple giving way to a clear garnet.  The aromas were full of ripe, dark cherries, a bit of cinnamon, and vanilla.  The flavors were not fresh and bright, they were mellowed, dark and wonderful.  Even though the flavor wasn't fresh it was definitely not old, it was at that stage of perfect maturity.  There was just enough sweetness left to keep the wine balanced, but it was now on the more savory side of the taste spectrum.  The tannins were soft and inviting and the finish was dry and long and begged you to take another sip.  Perfect with the lamb chops and a small baked potato. 

2005 Kinkead Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon.  13.1% alcohol and $18 six years ago.