Our Selection for Wine of the Week September 17, 2012
Round Pond
2010 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, CA
Round Pond is a family-owned winery located in Napa's Rutherford Appellation — a region recognized for producing outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery's name comes from Bob MacDonnell's childhood memories of camping in West Point, NY, by the banks of Round Pond. Inspired by this harmony with nature, MacDonnell created an estate incorporating great vines and a variety of other commercially viable fruits. Round Pond currently produces olive oils, vinegars and citrus syrups along with three levels of wines (Napa Valley, Estate and Reserve). A nicely balanced, easy drinking rendition of American Cabernet, the 2010 Estate Cab offers an interesting medley of bright fruit, herbal and floral aromas. Up front, fruit flavors of blackberry, plum and black cherry dominate with deeper grilled fruit notes toward the back of the palate. Herb and spice notes of sage, white pepper and clove add complexity near the finish. Relatively food friendly for a Napa Cabernet, it would work well with everything from a bleu cheese-topped filet to grilled pork chops with a black cherry sauce. Vegetarians might enjoy the wine with a simple pasta topped with kale and blistered tomatoes or with a cheese plate featuring aged blue and sheep's milk cheeses.