Vinifera and Caravan Cab 05

We tasted two Cabernet from Napa. One is called "Vinifera Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005" and another is called "Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon 2005". Both are recommended by the wine store owner based on our selection from the "Candy store". Quite a contrast between them. Vinifera is a classic new world style with nice nose of black cherry ,vanilla with matching palate. No rough edges. very easy to drink but it has all the attributes of new world fruits forward wines but bit lacking in character and complexity. "Caravan" is called a 2nd label of Darioush, hence it is called a"baby" Darioush. This one has character. The nose has a more earthy smoky note admixed with black fruits. The palate is more gutsy with more assertive tannin and earthy and spice layers of additional flavours on the top of usual black fruits. It is again difficult to say which is better but we liked Caravan.

Details of Vinifera are a bit scarce. here is the write up from the press release; "Initial aromas of the 2005 vintage show fresh ripe raspberries, black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. With time, notes of saddle leather, cracked pepper and moist peat emerge. This wine is exceptionally easy and pleasing to the palate. A smooth entry and an intensely fruit driven mid palate are complimented by silky well balanced tannins and acidity on the finish. The name 'Vinifera Vineyards' is the original name of the company now called Beckstoffer Vineyards. The name 'Vinifera Vineyards' was abandoned in 1982 in favor of Beckstoffer Vineyards and has gone unused until now. " It appears that Beckstoffer supplies grapes to Paul Hobbs among others but I could not get any info as to who is the winemaker or if this is made by the Beckstoffer.

From K&L wine web site; "Caravan is the second label from Napa Valley powerhouse Darioush. Winemaker Steve Devitt aims for a rounder, more fruit-forward wine here and a more moderate price point. The fruit comes from two estate vineyards to help achieve the softer palate. Ripe berries and cherries make up this wine's core, highlighted by hints of cola, coffee and chocolate. Substantial amounts of petit verdot (19%) add floral notes, while a splash of malbec (2%) adds blueberry flavors on the finish. Try with roast lamb or filet mignon or a grilled burger with stilton or gorgonzola and bacon."