Francis Coppola - Diamond Collection Claret 2007

This week’s selection:

Winery: Francis Coppola
Varietal: Cabernet-based Bordeaux Blend
Price Paid: $23.99 on sale for $18.99
Vintage: 2007
Area: Napa, Sonoma and Eldorado, CA
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Meijer (even less at Costco or Sam’s Club)

Overall: Very good Cabernet blend for the price. It tasted even better the 2nd day and still drank well the 3rd day. Definitely taste the dark fruits: blackberry and dark cherry. It is an intense cab for the price. I have never been disappointed by this wine.


Reviews

Winemaker Comments:
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc.

The 2007 vintage got underway earlier than most years as a result of premature bud break. This occurred because of an unseasonably warm winter. The season lasted longer than normal as well because of prolonged moderate temperatures. These conditions were ideal for creating physiologically perfect fruit, which is why winemakers have declared this one of the best vintages of the decade. Our Claret is always elegant, but this year it's a true show stopper; lush with a beautiful tapestry of smooth tannins, intense flavor, and seductive aromas. With a deep crimson color, this wine gives way to aromas of blackberries, plums and vanilla cream while flavors of wild berries, cherries, spice and mocha dance on the palate.
When paired with classic dishes such as beef stroganoff, leg of lamb or potato gratin, you can create a sublime dining experience.

K and L Wines
2007 Francis Coppola Diamond Series Claret

What's claret, you ask? Don't be fooled. Claret is just the British word for Bordeaux style blend! And that's exactly what Coppola's Diamond Collection Claret is…a blend of Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot from Napa, Sonoma and El Dorado. Wrapped in a crimson-colored robe, this affordable blend has an evocative nose redolent of black fruit and vanilla, and an equally appealing raspberry, cherry and blackberry-filled palate with hints of coffee and chocolate on the finish!