Profile: Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this family-run operation specializes
in Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as Cabernet Franc. Although
the land has been in the family since 1893, the winery celebrated
its first commercial vintage in 1994. Purchased from Mount Eden Orchard
and Vineyard Company, much of the land now sustaining the winery's
signature varietals originally supported aging orchards.
1996
Cabernet Franc Varietal/Style: Cabernet Franc
Origin: Santa Cruz Mountains
Vintage: 1996 Winemaker: Georg Cooper Rating:13/20 Retail Price: $18
Tasting
Notes:
With a scent of rubber bands and eucalyptus
trees, the Cooper Garrod is perfectly quirky, just as Cab Franc lovers
hope their wine to be. A mellow wine with long, sweet finish, it can
be described no other way than yummy. Its array of flavors includes chocolate,
cranberries and something like the cherry cream inside a candy truffle.
All in all, it is a pleasant drink, great by itself or with a light meal,
although it lacks the sort of substance to stand up to hearty food. (Date
tasted 01/28/01)