We make no bones about the fact that we don't champion many California producers in the wine shop. Why? Well, much of the "good stuff" has been noted in wine publications and therefore is too expensive for everyday, or, the affordable is mainstream and often times has additives. So, we work hard to find the few remaining yield and quality conscience vintners who make value driven wines with moderate alcohol and good balance. When we find them, we rejoice!
Caparone Winery is one such story. It is a super small winery, the only employees are Dave and Marc Caparone - father and son. They sort of redefine small production when Dave can't recall off-hand how many cases he produces - which we know first hand as one of our roving team ended up at the winery.
Caparone's Cabernet Sauvignon is dense, lush and full of ripe dark cherry fruit. It has great structure and even better acidity. The tannins are mild with a touch of spice in mid-palate, but the wine has focused length. The wine is great just opened, better twenty minutes later and sliding into smooth an hour into dinner.
Caparone Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $20 a bottle
