Wow, today was one of those days when we here in Sweden actually start believing in the Summer for real 🙂 And Summer time in Sweden absolutely means Grill time…

I would say that no matter WHAT you want to grill, meat or vegetarian, the special ’grill taste’ would go very well with this organic Californian Barra of Mendocino 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon! I give it 86 points on my tasting scale!

California has vineyards throughout most of its length, and the Mendocino County is situated north of Sonoma and Napa. The most widely planted black grape variety in California is the Cabernet Sauvignon. As a friend said recently – these wines really reflect some of the Californian sun 🙂 Charlie Barra decided, after having sold his wine to other wineries, to start his own wine production in 1997. Mr Barra truly believes in ecological wine making, without conventional chemicals.

This wine is made from 75 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 18 % Zinfandel and 7 % Petite Sirah. It can be bought at Systembolaget in Sweden for the price of 121 SEK (nr 22346).

On the nose you find the very typical Cab notes of dark cherries and blackcurrants and some herbaceousness. The wine has been aged in both French and American oak which you can sense (both toast, chocolate and vanilla).

On the palate you sense a wine with a balanced asperity with dark blackcurrants and dark chocolate as well as cedar and herbs. It has quite a long finish with distinct tannins.

This wine is best served with grilled dishes, as well as other tasteful dishes of red meat or lamb and game. Spicy sauces with creamy base will be great as well, and many creamy cheeses 🙂