Parker Canonizes an $11 Cabernet with his Potent "90" Rating!
$132.00 case of 12
Yesterday (10/31) the new edition or Robert Parker's "Wine Advocate"
(Issue #173/Australia) simultaneously appeared on my computer screen
and in our mailbox. As is my habit (and because my clientele rely on
me to do so) I immediately scanned the entire issue (2,900 wines
reviewed!!) for the highest rated/lowest priced entries and I'm
delighted to say that several wines stood out like Psychedelic-neon
sore thumbs.
Chris Ringland raises the bar to near unattainable levels
The subject of today's alert is Chris Ringland's "EVIL" ("LIVE"
spelled backwards) Cabernet Sauvignon. Although we offered this wine
to our readers early last summer, in my humble opinion it never
received the attention it deserved given its spot-on Cabernet flavors,
expensive oak regimen, hefty depth and winemaking pedigree juxtaposed
to its extremely frugal price.
"Come on down to Mel Sharkey's School of Wine Writing located on Route
15, (Just off Exit 21) in Paramus, NJ!"
I am not so proud as to deny that my personal evaluations often fail
to carry the same weight as those of the recognized national wine
journals (i.e. Parker's Wine Advocate, the Spectator's Jim Laube,
Connoisseur's Guide's Charles Olken, Food & Wine's Lettie Teague,
Tanzer etc.) and although there is no institution of higher learning
where one may obtain a fancy, framed diploma which entitles the bearer
to proclaim themselves a "Professional Wine Writer" (at least the last
time I checked), until such a course exists, the publications
mentioned above must serve to fit the bill in the eyes of the
consumer.
The Man from Monkton enters stage left...
The Chris Ringland phenomenon has been chronicled within the confines
of this mighty tome in the past...suffice to say that the guy
apparently can do no wrong (at least in the eyes of Mr. Parker). I
think it's important to note that Bob has always been a fan of
muscular wines. Historically, he has rewarded enologists who aren't
afraid to fully extract every possible nuance and flavor
characteristic from whatever variety they're working with. It seems
this is especially true when he's reviewing "value" wines. The guy
likes BIG dimensional reds with weight, body and texture and if a bit
of finesse and delicacy are compromised in the process...well, so be
it. The man is far more forgiving when it comes to pricier wines
which require a more delicate touch in order to glean the true
varietal character and indigenous personality of their origin (terroir
if you wish). For what it's worth, I too believe that when shelling
out $10-$20 for a bottle of wine the consumer should get the most bang
for their buck. Of course, there are exceptions...examples include
Cru Beaujolais, inexpensive Burgundy, CA Pinot Noir, lighter
Sangiovese blends etc.
Ringland makes wines priced from $11.00-$1,000.00/Bottle and Nearly
EVERY entrant scored in "90" or above in the recent "Australia" issue
of Parker's Wine Advocate.
Some of the Ringland legacy to date: Evil Cabernet, Pure Evil
Chardonnay, Bitch Grenache, the Marquis-Philips portfolio, Boarding
Pass, Strong Arms Shiraz, Luchador, Suxx, 3 Rings, Chateau Chateau and
his "Longitude Shiraz" which retails for (wait for it) $1000.00/Bottle
and rated "100" in the issue.
So what about the Evil Cabernet? Glad you asked. An amazing wine for
the price...one of the finest Cabernet values EVER. The wine is
actually aged in French Oak, and is sourced from a number of top
growers in Southeast Oz...Comparable to dozens of wines in the $35-$40
Category. This wine even has the stuffing to AGE for up to half a
decade!
"90" Parker..."The 2006 EVIL Cabernet Sauvignon saw 25% of the wine
aged in French oak. It reveals a fragrant bouquet of cedar and black
currants. Fruit-driven, full bodied, with tons of flavor, this
Cabernet is an Exceptional Value. It will provide pleasure over the
next 6-8 years".
This wine will appeal to all red wine lovers. Cabernet-specific fans
will love its varietal distinctiveness, oak component and long, rich
finish. Being a S.E. Australia wine it will also appeal to anyone who
enjoys full bodied, fruit-driven wines regardless of the variety;
Deep, muscular and gripping with a decent pinch of oak and a touch of
sweetness in the finish. Amazing stuff for the price.
Q: How can you go wrong with a "90" Rating and $132/Case Price?
A: You can't.
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