Yogi Cabernet-Syrah 2005
Portrait Series -
Each release in this series is a one-of-a-kind—both the wine and the artwork on the label are unique for that vintage. The original limited edition illustrations of artist Jay P. Snellgrove honors a real dog with a special story. A limited number of prints of the label art, signed by Jay will be made available in our gallery.
Label Art -
This inaugural release in our Portrait Series is an original illustration by Jay P. Snellgrove. The Bloodhound is YOGI, who was assigned to a K-9 Unit in Colorado and spent seven years tracking down criminals, unearthing crime-scene clues and finding missing persons. It was inspired by our first contact with the Alie Foundation in 1993. See the Art Gallery for limited hand-signed and numbered giclee print reproductions of the original artwork, available for sale to art collectors and dog lovers alike.
The Causes -
A portion of our sales revenue on all wines, art, and merchandise is split equally between Canine Companions For Independence and the Morris Animal Foundation's Cure Canine Cancer Campaign.
We also make additional donations on selected wines to great causes such as the Alie Foundation and the Colorado Greyhound Adoption in order to provide both awareness and funding.
I LOVE this wine. It shows what I think a really good blend should be – it shares the best features of its components (Cabernet & Syrah) but doesn't taste exactly like either one. On the nose I get pure dark cherry and cinnamon. There's so much concentration to the palate that I recommend decanting or at least pouring the wine 20 minutes before serving to let the flavors evolve. Tons of dark cherry, fresh crushed blueberry and violet flavors. The finish has a wonderful lingering, melting sensation on the tongue -- like nibbling on a fine dark chocolate covered cherry. Wow!
Tony Wasowicz, Winemaker
January, 2009
| Vintage: | 2005 |
| Varietal: | Cabernet-Syrah |
| Appellation: | California |
| Alcohol %: | 14.5 |
I have to admit, sometimes I tend to be so impatient about tasting wines that I often rush straight to the sniffing and sipping without really taking the time to enjoy the visual aspect of a fine wine. I would ask you not to make the same mistake. The hue and clarity of our very first Cru Vin Dogs Portrait Series wine is simply glorious - this wine shines! The aromas and flavors, too, are a grand testament to the pedigree of the blend-- steep hillside syrah from the foothills of western Dry Creek Valley and the very highest quality cabernet sauvignon from two top Napa Valley vineyards. The fresh-crushed wild berry aromas are touched with hints of white pepper and exotic Asian spices. The flavors are remarkably concentrated without being cloying. Huge spiced blueberry, raspberry, and black currant fruit is dusted with fine cocoa and a wisp of smoke. And the texture... WOW! It's rare to find a wine so rich and silky without all the heat and fat. The finish of this wine really seals the deal. There's a very delicate and elusive character in fine cabernet that is almost floral in nature and always difficult to capture and carry from grape to glass. That delicate violet character, I am very happy to say, highlights the finish of this wine, along with a hint of clove oil and that soft cocoa. And, perhaps best of all, the soft tannins that envelope the wine, start to finish, suggest a wine who's grace and character will only improve with additional aging. Enjoy this wine now but be sure to stash away a case or two in the cellar to catch this rare wine in its prime. 75% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 25% Dry Creek Valley Syrah Alc. = 14.5% 1073 Cases produced Tony Wasowicz, Wine Maker, January 2008