Canyon of the Ancients Cabernet Sauvignon

This bottle of “Canyon of the Ancients” Cabernet Sauvignon has been cellared since release. Brought to Tasting Group and presented to the group double-blind. Though technically not testable, the wines from Sutcliffe are very high quality and I couldn't help myself from blinding the group on this properly aged example. The wine was poured into a decanter about an hour prior. The wine pours a deep garnet color with some signs of slight sediment; moderate staining of the tears. Other than the fine sediment, no real signs of age. On the nose, the wine is of moderate intensity: plums, cassis, cherry, tobacco, some leather and baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Again, a mixed fruit set, tobacco, earth, leather and baking spices. The finish is satisfyingly long. Guesses were all over he place however few called New World (let along the Four Corners of Colorado!) with most settling on a modern Rioja producer and left-bank Bordeaux. Everyone loved it and the fact it was from Colorado endeared them even more. At this point, the green-streak that these wines typically exhibit in their youth has completely given way and the fruit is ripe and fully mature. It's quite lovely on the pop and pour though a little air doesn’t hurt. This should continue to drink well over the next 5-7 years.