Tasting Report: 2007 Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon

Sunday, August 8, 2010

This experiment of cracking open nicer wines to determine whether to stock up during next weekend's Massachusetts tax holiday is proving to be a good time.

A wine I've wanted to try for a while based on ratings and mysterious yet effective marketing is the Ghost Block Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.  I couldn't track down any of the prior vintages in Massachusetts and when I'd find it elsewhere it was priced above retail.  When the 2007 came to market here at a fair price I jumped on it.  Did it live up to the hype?  Read on...

From the Winery:

Vineyards

The fruit for the 2007 Ghost Block Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Rock Cairn vineyard. The 25 year old vineyard in Oakville, Napa Valley that is 100% Certified Organic. The site is comprised of deep, gravelly loam with a western exposure, and the vines produce very concentrated fruit late in the season.

Winemaker Notes from Rob Lawson

2007 harvest was a mild and lengthy season with a few series of hot temperatures that brought sugars and flavors up to be followed by cooler days for extended development. The ripening was steady and even. We were able to maximize picking decisions and get exactly the flavors we were looking for. 

Winery Tasting Notes

Distinctive flavors of Ghost Block and Rock Cairn were heightened with the 2007 growing season. Deep and concentrated with balance and structure. Bright aromas of roses, tobacco and spice lead to a full palate of blackberries, cherries and cocoa. The mid palate is full and leads to a bright long finish of cherries, caramel, spice, cassis and coffee.

  • Varietal Content: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Total Acidity: .59
  • pH: 3.83
  • Cooperage: Aged 27 months in French Oak, 60% new
  • Release Information: 5000 six bottle packs, May 2010
My Notes:
2007 Ghost Block Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
$55 (est from 2006 vintage)
14.7% Alcohol

Quite opaque with just a bit of see-through on the perimeter of the glass.  Herbal Eucalyptus at first on the nose but then along comes some caramel.  Would have liked more straightforward fruit, but there's no denying this is quality stuff.  Could get better with age if it comes together.  Whether you'll enjoy it depends on your preference for fruit vs. herbal.  Quite an intense wine either way. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

91/100 WWP: Outstanding

Based on the price point and overall experience I'd probably buy one more bottle of this wine to lay down for 2-3 years.  A similar conclusion that RJ's Wine Blog came to regarding the 2006 I believe.

A more affordable play if you're looking for a more fruit forward 2007 Napa Cab?  Honig.  Available in the low $30s if you shop around it's guaranteed to satisfy.  Some other notable big 2007 Napa reds to consider:
What are some of your favorite plays in 2007 Napa reds?

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