Last month I had the opportunity to spend some time in Mendocino. More than that, I was lucky enough to share a good chunk of time with Paul Dolan and other members of his team. Tasting wine is one thing, seeing the way an operation is run, literally from the ground up a whole other. What Paul Dolan is accomplishing in Mendocino both under his label and the Parducci brand is impressive to say the least. The dedication to Organics, sustainability and Biodynamics is admirable and incredibly genuine. Their pursuit of pure wines that express a sense of place is their drive. That they do so as shepherds of land they wish to leave in better condition than they found it is the icing on the cake, and then some. Today I’ll take a look at the most current release of Cabernet Sauvignon from Paul’s label.
The Paul Dolan Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon was produced from Mendocino fruit that was certified Organic. Just about 70% of the fruit is from Paul’s Dark Horse Vineyards which is certified Biodynamic. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon (93%), this wine includes small amounts of Syrah (4%), and Petite Sirah (3%). Oak aging occurred over 20 months in a range of American oak. 3,811 cases of this wine were produced and it has a suggested retail price of $25.
The nose of this 2007 Cabernet is filled with a trio of aromas; red berry fruit, vanilla and earthy mushrooms each play a role. Both red and black cherry flavors play a strong role throughout the palate. These flavors are joined by significant spice elements such as black pepper and nutmeg. A strong earth component emerges in the finish along with a touch of dusty baker’s chocolate. This wine has excellent structure marked by firm gripping tannins and solid acidity.
This is another in the line of terrific wines from Paul Dolan Vineyards. As with the others it shows off loads of pure unadulterated fruit while showcases its Mendocino roots. If Paul’s name is on the bottle, don’t hesitate to part with your hard-earned money. His wines provide quality and value in spades. It's also an excellent example of the kind of Cabernet Sauvignon that can be produced in Mendocino for a reasonable price point.