September was a month to remember for the Toronto Vintners Club as we gathered for an exquisite Napa Cabernet Sauvignon event. The wines selected for this tasting all came from Lifford Cellar's extensive portfolio of California Cabernet Sauvignon. Lifford generously provided the reception wine, a crisp and lively Rosé, Roederer Estate Brut, setting the stage for what was to come. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this sparkling wine hails from Anderson Valley and is renowned for its vibrant raspberry and strawberry notes, balanced with a hint of citrus and a refined mousse. It was the perfect aperitif to cleanse the palate before diving into the heart of the evening—Napa Cabernets.
Our guest speaker was Chris Madej from Lifford Cellars, an accredited sommelier with both the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers and the Court of Master Sommeliers. Chris gave an insightful presentation on Napa Cabs highlighting the unique characteristics of these powerful yet nuanced wines. He discussed their hallmark deep colour, bold tannins, and complex flavour profiles that can include dark fruits like blackberry and plum, as well as subtle hints of spice, earth, and oak. He also provided tips on what to look for in a great Napa Cab—elegance, structure, and the balance between fruit, acidity, and tannins.
After the engaging talk, the tasting began! Guests were treated to a lineup of eight exceptional Napa Cabs, each paired thoughtfully with delicious appetizers that enhanced the wine's flavours. It was a night of exploration, as we sampled wines from various vintages and vineyards, noting the diversity that Napa Valley can offer even within a single grape variety. Overall, these wines were big and luscious. All had big tannins but were surprisingly smooth. They were drinking quite well but also have serious aging potential. Fortunately, the TVC was able to purchase more wine than was needed, so we will be able to revisit these fabulous Cabs sometime in the next 5-10 years!
The star of the night was the 2016 Burgess Cellars Contadina, which was ranked number one by the group. This wine boasts a rich bouquet of blackberries, dark cherries, and a touch of mocha. On the palate, it is full-bodied and beautifully structured, with velvety tannins and a long, lingering finish. The oak integration adds complexity with subtle notes of vanilla and spice, without overpowering the vibrant fruit flavours. It’s a true example of Napa’s capability to produce age-worthy and elegant Cabernets that can leave a lasting impression.
What a wonderful night it was—great wine, insightful conversation, and the perfect blend of education and enjoyment. The Toronto Vintners Club continues to bring together wine enthusiasts for unforgettable experiences, and this Napa Cab event was no exception.
Here is how our guest and the group scored the wines. See you next month!
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