'09 Tobin James Notorious Cabernet Sauvignon

[Innkeeper]

2009 Tobin James, Notorious, Paso Robles, Cabernet Sauvignon ($18, Alcohol level 14.4%). This was the first Cab we opened from the “Blue Label” * shipment from TJ last spring. It was ready to go and gave traditional black fruit including cassis on the nose and upfront. There was more of the fruit in middle and just a touch of vanilla/oak, and a lovely finish.

We matched it with tenderloin steaks in rasher, grilled over charcoal and mesquite chips; our first straight neck yellow squash from the garden stuffed and baked; and sliced tomatoes. It made for a super Monday night dinner. Yum!

*Tobin James’ Blue Labels are for rotation, and the Red Labels are for aging.

[Innkeeper]

Popped another tonight with grill paned beef loin ends Teriyaki, baked Yukon Golds, and salad. Yum!

[Innkeeper]

We enjoyed a 2010 last night with Father's Day dinner. It is every bit as good if not more so than earlier vintages. We matched it with Sirloin strip steaks grilled over charcoal and mesquite chips, eggplant salad, and a nice baguette. Yum!

Got two of these in the spring shipment. I had asked them to include these instead of the dessert wine and chardonnay they normally include in shipments.

[Innkeeper]

Found another '09 tonight. Enjoyed it with rib steak rubbed with Morton Rub, and grilled over charcoal and mesquite chips; sides were baked sweet potatoes, and sliced tomatoes and cucumber vinaigrette. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber from our garden. Wonderful!

[Innkeeper]

Popped a 2011 last night, and it was as nice as earlier vintages. We matched it with marinated lamb shoulder chops, baked sweet potatoes, and eggplant salad. Yum!