King’s Ransom Cabernet Sauvignon

Clearly one of British Columbia’s most ambitious red wines and you will need to mortgage a tidy sum to manage the cost. As for the wine itself the fruit substance is well, substantial. Truly, wholly and holy in the varietal parlance of our times. Brawn and glory, guts and fruition, as in ripenesses achieved nearly in toto but certainly in cahoots. What’s fascinating about this big cabernet sauvignon is that neither the wood nor the libido get in the way of the talent. Also in a really good state at five years of age. Will show its best for five more. Drink 2020-2025

Here's a big, rich cuddly kind of red that reminds me stylistically of big American oaked-California cabernets like Silver Oak. But there is pleasant, subtly integrated BC freshness. The nose is a mellow tapesrty of blackberry/plum fruit, subtle herbs,vanilla/chocolate, and some woodsy notes. It is full bodied with quite fine tannin. The length is excellent to outstanding. Pricy to be sure - the Kings Ransom - but also very engaging and satisfying. Now to 2022.

This is a luscious cabernet in the generous and smooth style most typical of California (and it comes with a super-luxury, trophy-wine price to match). Dense with cherry-cassis fruit and vanilla, it delivers considerable sweetness in the mid-palate and strikes good balance with sticky, fine-grained tannins. Great structure and well-integrated oak. Just 175 cases produced from select vineyard parcels of the estate’s best fruit. It should cellar well for a decade or longer. Available direct, in limited quantities, nobleridge.com