After millions of years, we finally located the the “Meanderthaler” Cabernet in the Napa Valley – unfortunately she has completely acclimated to the 21st century and has lost everything we had hoped she would be able to convey to us…
Not to worry, the “new” Meander is well worth looking at (Amy is not a bad “catch” – sorry guys she is happily married). All joking aside – and we are talking the Meander 2007 Cabernet here!
Our “Meanderthaler woman” Amy Aiken owner/winemaker started working at Phelps in 1989 where she cut her teeth in wines such as Backus, Insignia and Eisele (Now Araujo winery owned). After that she worked with Sparkling wine and Pinot Noir to find her way back to Cabernet at Oakville Ranch, Anomaly and Viader.
She literally chased the owners of Morisoli and Lewelling throughout the valley for years and finally was able to buy some fruit from these two great vineyards. And the rest, as they say, is history. In a recent blind tasting Meander blew away many big name 2007 Cabernets in the $150.00 – $250.00 range!
Meander 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon “Morisoli/Lewelling” Napa Valley
Retail 70.00 – GGWC 64.99
Sourced from two of the most sought after vineyards in the Napa Valley; Morisoli (50%) and Lewelling (50%). This is a real gem that tastes a lot more expensive than its price tag. The wine exhibits intense aromas of black stone fruit and hints of spice. On the palate this well-balanced wine is loaded with lush and mouth-filling fruit (blackberry/black cherry) with well-structured and integrated fine tannins on the long lasting finish where one will encounter a whiff of licorice. The long finish is silky and velvety. The wine is drinking very well now and should cellar well for years to come.
Meander “Conspire” 2010 Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Retail 32.00 – GGWC 27.99
This is the first Sauvignon Blanc made by Amy Aiken (Meander). It is a blend of 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Musque clone (also SB)! The aromatics jump out of the glass. The nose is floral with a hint of minerality (great for those who like the French whites!). The wine is viscous (from the Musque clone) and flavorful. Medium in bodied, with refreshing acidity, a hint of truffle and citrus (SB clone). The wine is concentration without being syrupy – as it is well-balanced and offering great length, which indicate that this puppy will be around for a few years.