WINE
Wine: Cuvaison Cabernet Sauvignon Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon (89 per cent) Cabernet Franc (11 per cent) Region: Napa Valley, United States Vintage: 1991 THE Napa Valley produces some of the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons which, at their very best, can compare with classed growths form Bordeaux. Cuvaison owns about 110 planted hectares of vines on a 160-hectare estate in Carneros district in the southern Napa Valley.
Swiss owned, this winery, after a disappointing period in the 1970s and 1980s, is now producing top class wines.
In the Napa Valley, the 1990s started off with two great vintages in a row, the outstanding 1990 and the classic 1991.
The latter has rich, dark berry fruits, chocolate and spice aromas. On the palate there are currants, herb and vanilla flavours. The tannins are velvety and overall the wine has excellent balance.
This wine is ready to drink now but will age well. It should go well with the smoky flavours of open grilled meat such as steak or lamb chop.
This wine won the trophy for best wine in Winpac 1995 and is well worth trying.
Where To Buy: From importer Kedington (tel: 2898 9323) at a retail price of $273 per bottle. If a case of 12 bottles is ordered, one extra bottle will be provided free.
