2006 Courtney Benham Stags Leap District Cab Sauvignon: A-

We were in the presence of our mystery wine specialist, who all agreed never disappoints with his...or her...wine selections. This particular friend of ours showed up for the 2 hour 24 premiere and felt as though he should bring a jack bauer-esque vino, or as beck-o posited "a wine with balls as big as jack". So we ripped into the Courtner Benham Cab. Josh felt that it might have left him with a similar sensation as eating a cold spoonful of hershey's chocolate syrup that you wish could be a bit warmer. Our present wine royalty agreed that although a premium juice, the 06 could maybe use a bit of age...not much. I agree with the assesment of an "iron fist in a velvet glove" apparently a popular way to characterize stag's leap cabs....with the exception that most stag leaps cabs start at 50 bucks, and this one is 29. Mainer beck-0 requested that we ready a case on the delivery of her "baby wilson in the works"...duly noted beck-o. Honestly, I am just happy to be in the company of an old friend and could probably be drinking piss and be as happy as i feel at the moment.

I should also include the minor detail that as we drink this one Wake Forest is beating UNC in an ACC basketball slugfest...given Josh's...hmm...loose affiliation with with the Blue Devils, we are a happy group.

Josh asserts that this is veeeery well balanced. And I think that this actually captures very well my feelings which are that i can't pin down many real tastes or smells, but i absolutely love this one. it is rare that i love not tannic wines. but that is the case. over and out.

mainer chris

ps. the photo may give you an idea of how much i love this wine....holy shizzzy.