It has been awhile since my last wine review, so I decided a few days ago that I wanted to make the next one count. For those of you who have followed my reviews, you may have noticed that I only write about wines that I love and want to share. I don’t review every bottle I open, just the special ones.

In these times of economic uncertainty; well, let’s be honest— more like economic apocalypse or castration—we need wine. Specifically, we need red wine; and Bordeaux blends, to be exact. But those wines are expensive, from France and California. But, I did recall a traditional Bordeaux-style blend from a new winery located in Napa called Joseph Carr.

Applying 25 years of knowledge, experience, and professional relationships in the wine business, Joseph Carr launched his winery in 2005 in the vein of a traditional French négociant, working with small estate wine growers and fellow winemakers to produce “luxury value” wines in both Bordeaux and Burgundy varietals. This includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and a Pinot Noir.

The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were carefully selected and brought in from a number of prestigious Napa Valley vineyards know for producing some of the most stellar wines in California. The list includes both Sycamore & Bosché of Freemark Abbey, Rutherford Bench, St Helena, Beckstoffer, Chateau Montelana, and Diamond Mountain.

A delicate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah produce a phenomenal nose of black fruit (both currant and berries), toasty vanillin oak, and prominent leather, smoke and earth. Carey and I both agree the aromas of this wine absolutely ooze the characteristics of high-end Cabernet. It instantaneously brought us straight back to the best tasting rooms of the Valley, specifically the amazing Cab offerings of Freemark Abbey, a Napa Valley pioneer.

The tannins in this wine are both soft and smooth, which compliment the smoke and leather perfectly. The slightly dry, puckering mouth feel of many Cabernets is replaced with a round softness that never abandons that wonderful toasty vanilla. This wine also looks stunning in the glass. Its rich garnet color sparkles and looks proud to be swirled around and shown off.

The 2005 Joseph Carr Cabernet is very accessible online, as well as in some boutique wine stores. It retails for about $18 and, in my opinion, easily competes against popular Cabernets at twice the price. Enjoy!!!

-Rob