Gandona
Encosta Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Final night on Hilton Head Island. The beach has treated us well and Emily is enjoying some relaxation away from her kindergarten class!
Red Fish is a fantastic spot on the island. They have a retail shop in the restaurant with a nice selection and very reasonable prices. Having had Gandona’s flagship wine before, I wanted to try their entry level wine. 15.6 ABV! This was locked up TIGHT. Really benefited from letting it sit for a while. Black cherry, scorched earth, smoked cedar, & cassis on the nose. Smelled a tad hot. Great tannic structure on the front and mid palate showing more black cherry, plum, grilled blackberries, and ripe red fruit with nutmeg. Finish didn’t carry on like I expected. Still gripping two hours after opening.
Final night on Hilton Head Island. The beach has treated us well and Emily is enjoying some relaxation away from her kindergarten class!
Red Fish is a fantastic spot on the island. They have a retail shop in the restaurant with a nice selection and very reasonable prices. Having had Gandona’s flagship wine before, I wanted to try their entry level wine. 15.6 ABV! This was locked up TIGHT. Really benefited from letting it sit for a while. Black cherry, scorched earth, smoked cedar, & cassis on the nose. Smelled a tad hot. Great tannic structure on the front and mid palate showing more black cherry, plum, grilled blackberries, and ripe red fruit with nutmeg. Finish didn’t carry on like I expected. Still gripping two hours after opening.
What a wine. I could taste the character of Pritchard Hill - this one being from the Gandona winery. Encosta means, roughly translated, 'hillside', or 'slope' in Portuguese. P.Melka is the wine maker and this is just the estate wine.
I have to say it is pretty darn good, and definitely has that magical Melka touch. Fragrant of decayed violet and dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds, with a hint of game. Integrated, yet quite firm tannin, exhibiting notes of blue and black fruit, bright acidity, clove, cocoa, and a lifted feel in the pallet. The alcohol is 15.6%, but you don't entirely notice it. It is well hidden. I want to know how the $225 top estate wine is drinking then...
What a wine. I could taste the character of Pritchard Hill - this one being from the Gandona winery. Encosta means, roughly translated, 'hillside', or 'slope' in Portuguese. P.Melka is the wine maker and this is just the estate wine.
I have to say it is pretty darn good, and definitely has that magical Melka touch. Fragrant of decayed violet and dark chocolate covered pomegranate seeds, with a hint of game. Integrated, yet quite firm tannin, exhibiting notes of blue and black fruit, bright acidity, clove, cocoa, and a lifted feel in the pallet. The alcohol is 15.6%, but you don't entirely notice it. It is well hidden. I want to know how the $225 top estate wine is drinking then...
Dark fruits mixed with more savory flavors and an abundance of spice, medium tannins and a decent finish. Pretty good for a second wine.
Dark fruits mixed with more savory flavors and an abundance of spice, medium tannins and a decent finish. Pretty good for a second wine.
Apr 9th, 2016
11/20/17 - One fine Philippe Melka product - opened up nicely and exhibited Melka’s silky smoothness. Hints of dark fruits, ripe berries and a nice tannin touch that finished well. A true value play here.
11/20/17 - One fine Philippe Melka product - opened up nicely and exhibited Melka’s silky smoothness. Hints of dark fruits, ripe berries and a nice tannin touch that finished well. A true value play here.
Nov 21st, 2017
Richer, riper than expected....dare I say flabby. Fruit and extraction. Primary Gandona may be the road to travel
Richer, riper than expected....dare I say flabby. Fruit and extraction. Primary Gandona may be the road to travel
Dec 27th, 2016
Dustin had this 9 years ago
Dustin had this 9 years ago
Feb 9th, 2016
Kathy had this 9 years ago
Kathy had this 9 years ago
Feb 4th, 2016
