About this WINE
Michael Mondavi Family Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
The winemakers behind Emblem described the 2010 growing season as ‘dramatic’ from a meteorological point of view. Despite unusually small yields, the grapes sourced for this wine - from premium sites around the Napa Valley - were of excellent quality. Cabernet Sauvignon constitutes the majority of the blend, which also includes Syrah, Petite Syrah, Zinfandel and Petit Verdot. Such diversity of terroir and varietals calls for skilful handling in the winery. Thankfully, Emblem is the brainchild of Michael Mondavi, a fourth-generation member of California’s wine aristocracy. The finished product is satisfyingly complex: an array of savoury notes complement the powerful dark berry and cassis flavours so adored by fans of Napa Cabernet. Well-integrated tannins result in hints of vanilla and toffee, and a delightfully rounded mouthfeel.
Will Heslop, Wine Buying
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