Well, well, well...check this out.
I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise given Gallo's track record with vineyard designate and Estate-level bottlings, but it is always a bit of a double-take when wine like this comes from behind a big label. That said, the consistency with which this behemoth wine company turns out winners commands respect even from the most skeptical of connoisseurs.
Three samples from the Signature Series were sent for review - Cab, Pinot, and Chard. The 2009 Chardonnay was reviewed here recently - and remains a sensational wine. But the true, head-and-shoulders stand-out here is the Cabernet Napa Valley. Read on for the glowing details, but the take away is this: Napa epitomized at half of the Napa lifestyle price tag. If the Cab and Chard are any indication, these guys have really hit on something with this program. Bravo.
2010 Gallo Cabernet Napa Valley Signature Series $40
Deep, concentrated, and luring with all the dark, brooding favors that make top tier Napa Cabernet the King in California. Straddling the line between approachability and showing the promise of ageworthiness, this is an infatuation-inducing wine ready to drink now and which will haunt the lucky indulger for months. Elegant and skillfully executed, but so gulpable and friendly and comforting as to make falling for this big (14.8%) beast easier than falling into a pool. Pricey for Gallo, but absolutely worth every penny.
I guess it shouldn't come as a surprise given Gallo's track record with vineyard designate and Estate-level bottlings, but it is always a bit of a double-take when wine like this comes from behind a big label. That said, the consistency with which this behemoth wine company turns out winners commands respect even from the most skeptical of connoisseurs.
Three samples from the Signature Series were sent for review - Cab, Pinot, and Chard. The 2009 Chardonnay was reviewed here recently - and remains a sensational wine. But the true, head-and-shoulders stand-out here is the Cabernet Napa Valley. Read on for the glowing details, but the take away is this: Napa epitomized at half of the Napa lifestyle price tag. If the Cab and Chard are any indication, these guys have really hit on something with this program. Bravo.
2010 Gallo Cabernet Napa Valley Signature Series $40
Deep, concentrated, and luring with all the dark, brooding favors that make top tier Napa Cabernet the King in California. Straddling the line between approachability and showing the promise of ageworthiness, this is an infatuation-inducing wine ready to drink now and which will haunt the lucky indulger for months. Elegant and skillfully executed, but so gulpable and friendly and comforting as to make falling for this big (14.8%) beast easier than falling into a pool. Pricey for Gallo, but absolutely worth every penny.