Review: 2003 Owl Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Brigden Vineyard
Owl Ridge was so kind to send a bottle of their 2003 Cabernet, following a redesign of their label to give it a little more sophistication and upscale appeal. The label looks good, I think, and the wine isn’t bad either.
This Sonoma cab is characteristic of the region, though I am not specifically familiar with the Brigden Vineyard, located near Spring Mountain in the north of the county: A tight core of black fruit, wound with a green pepper, light vegetable tone, possibly hinting at licorice and allspice. Unlike some of the heavier Napa Cabs, the Owl Creek goes down easy on its own, and though it wasn’t a perfect match with a ravioletti with parmesan and prosciutto dish, it didn’t clash, either. I think with an herb-crusted lamb or pork chop, this bottle would have paired better.
I’d like to try this wine again in a few years, and see if the greener notes mellow out and give way to herbacious flavors given a little more time in the cellar. But overall I’d have no problem recommending Owl Creek’s wines if you see them on store shelves or on a wine list (though with only 340 cases produced of this vintage, good luck).
B+ / $55 / owlridge.com
2003 Owl Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Brigden Vineyard
$55
