Just lately there are a few more wines from one of my favorite winemakers that need to be discussed. The wines are two 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Celia Welch. Celia has stopped using her former married name, Masyczek. Welch is a lot easier to pronounce, for sure.

In the past I have received comments from some readers letting me know (good-natured) they are getting tired of reading about Celia on these pages. My response is “What’s not to love?” Virtually everything she makes is high caliber - last night I poured the 2002 Rocca Cabernet Sauvignon from a three liter at the end of a tasting and it was excellent. In 2008, I named Celia my Winemaker of the year, based on the quality of her 2005 Scarecrow, and 2005 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon, both rated DW 98. She has now stepped away from Rocca, but a couple years ago began making her own wine, Corra.

Over the last few weeks I tasted Corra with Celia in Pasadena, and the Lindstrom in Calistoga. Both are excellent examples of the new vintage.

2006 Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District; DW 93+

14.5% alcohol

Following the extraordinary 2005 debut vintage from Greg and Carol Lindstrom’s 4-acre Nicali Vineyard that captured my top rating for a Cabernet Sauvignon last year, the new release is a solid follow-up.

Aroma: licorice, blackberry, currant and subtly smoked cherry

Palate: smooth and firm through the middle with nicely formed texture, the finish is ripe berry, black cherry and chocolate

Impression: If fortunate enough to be on the mailing list for this highly allocated wine, consider yourself lucky. There is very little that ever makes it in to retail. It seems to hold a bit more in reserve right now and will benefit from 3 - 5 years in the cellar.

2006 Corra Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley; DW 97

14.5% alcohol

Knowing Celia’s record, after I wrote the first review on the 2004 premiere release of Corra, (DW 97), I was not surprised how excellent the wine was. Since then, many devoted Cabernet fans have jumped on her mailing list and it sells out within a week. I tasted this wine with Celia in Pasadena at the same time as the 2006 Scarecrow, and found the Corra was a bit more evolved at that point. 

Aroma: dense, dark black fruits, cherry and crisp raspberry, graphite and dark chocolate

Palate: lush, creamy and full-bodied entry, with excellent balance throughout, finishing with delicate black raspberry, cranberry and currant

Impression: another stunner. Beautiful if you want to enjoy now for its elegance, will continue to gain weight for years to come.

To get on the mailing/waiting lists for either of these wines, try the website. 

www.lindstromwines.com

www.corrawines.com