Guest Review:

It’s gone…a sad but pleasing send off for a fantastic gift from long ago. We finished our last bottle of Mazzocco 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon to compliment our Christmas Prime rib dinner. Having received a case of wine as a gift, this was the final salute to an enduring foundation to my wine collection. But before I talk about the wine, a short dissertation on the vineyard itself. Situated in Sonoma County between the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys , this small family owned vineyard is a pearl hidden amongst numerous larger producers of fine California wines. Best known for its single-vineyard-designate Zinfandels, they also produce award-winning Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and more. I actually visited the vineyard in 2005, a year that the taste room host said was to be declared one of their best ever so take note and pick some up (you can still buy some on line at www.mazzocco.com).

So on to the wine. After decanting it for a short while, we dolled out small pours as the beef was being sliced. Upon first sip, my self proclaimed wine aficionado daughter and son-in-law gave me a look that said it all. Velvety smooth with wafting blackberry and plumb nose hits, it became a conversation piece. At big meals, we usually uncork several bottles and move thru them with alacrity, but we ended up making the single bottle last, between the four of us, for the entire meal, and then some. Notes of cedar, pepper, and cola were reported by those around the table. As the bottle wound its way down, the wine got better and better and every sip was savored like the last drops of water by stranded desert travelers.

So thanks to M&D for bringing the wine back from their 2000 trip. Plan to visit this fine little winery if you are even fortunate enough to travel to the Napa valley area. It is a beautiful drive up from the city of Napa and you will be rewarded with some fine wines. Enjoy!!

-Scott