I first tasted Villa del Monte’s 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon at a Fourth of July party, where the hosts had bought a case of it because they love it and didn’t want to run out. It’s one of those wines that will grab you—in the best way—with its full body and rich fruit characteristics.
And, as with certain brands of potato chips, once you have that first taste, you just want more. When you finish the first few mouthfuls, you’re just getting warmed up. Here is a delicious Cab that will satisfy every Cab lover, for sure. After all, Cabernet has the honor of being the world’s most sought-after red wine. Our friend the Cab is just begging to be paired with a fat juicy steak, a plate of pasta or a good piece of cheese. For me, a glass of Villa del Monte’s cab with some nice chocolate is heaven. I have my nectar and ambrosia all wrapped up.
Grapes for the 2011 Cab hail from LindHill Vineyard—just above Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos and at about 2,500 feet—a nice sunny spot that is perfect for ripening this voluptuous fruit. The 2012 Cab is $38, but is sold at a discount by the case, or as a wine club member you get 25 percent off.
Villa del Monte winemakers John Overstreet and Neil Perrelli produce excellent wines made in small lots with the utmost care. Their tasting room is not open every weekend, but they will certainly be open for Passport Day on Nov. 15 (visit scmwa.com for information on that). And there are many opportunities to try their wines at various events, such as the Capitola Art & Wine Festival on Sept. 13 and 14, or Gourmet Grazing on the Green in Aptos Village Park on Sept. 27. They will also be open at their winery on the weekend of Aug. 30 and 31.
Villa del Monte Winery, 23076 Summit Road, Los Gatos, 408-353-0995. Villadelmontewinery.com.
Fall Wine Classes at Cabrillo College
Fall semester wine classes start up in September with enology guru Sue Slater as the instructor. Basic Wine Grape Culture class (CAHM 177) explores the cycle of the vine, 6:30-8:35 p.m. on Mondays starting Sept. 1. The Wine and Wine Service class (CAHM 172A) is a basic wine class covering all aspects of wine, 6:30-8:35 p.m. on Tuesdays starting Sept. 2.
The Sensory Evaluation of Wine Varietals class (CAHM 172B) explores major grape varieties in a world setting and how and where they are grown affects their flavors, 6:30-8:35 p.m. on Thursdays starting Sept. 4. Sign up at Cabrillo College on WebAdvisor or simply go to class on the first day. Info: Sue Slater at su******@ca******.edu .
