Lucky Cabernet-Merlot 2006
Portrait Series
The outstanding red varietal blends in this series are crafted in the classic style of the famous wine regions which they are fashioned after, capable of extended aging, yet very enjoyable upon release. Both the wine and the artwork on the label are unique for that vintage, each honoring a real dog with a special story.
Tasting Notes Update: August, 2010
"Really serious red wines deserve really serious attention at the dinner table. The myriad flavors and aromas of a fine Bordeaux blend can only be truly appreciated over the course of a leisurely meal in which the wine has a chance to open and evolve and reveal its glorious subtleties gradually. Our blend of mountain Cabernet from Napa Valley and Merlot from the foothills of west Dry Creek Valley is just such a wine. Warm aromas of cassis and dried cherry gradually pick up more complex cinnamon and rose characters with just a few swirls of the glass. And the deliciously classic dark cherry, plum and licorice root flavors at first sip are gradually enhanced by lovely cocoa-dusted violet essence. Outstanding in color and silky in texture, this wine epitomizes balance. Although this wine is drinking perfectly now, I highly advise picking up an extra case for the cellar. Like a fine Bordeaux, this wine is will only get better and better…" Tony Wasowicz, Winemaker
Label Art
All our labels feature original, limited-edition illustrations by artist Jay P. Snellgrove. Each honors a real dog – some with special stories – a reminder of how empty this world would be without the unconditional love and devotion of “man’s best friend".
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The Yellow Labrador Retriever on this release is "Lucky", an assistance dog trained by Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). Lucky was born to Dad, Baumann, and Mom, Zenda – both black Labradors – in a litter of eight puppies on October 12, 2003. Lucky graduated November 12, 2005 with partner Randi Price, a nurse practitioner at Children's Hospital in Denver. Randi was diagnosed with Muscular Distrophy at age 29. She has since come to depend on Lucky to be her everyday companion and her "bridge to the world." |
Read more about Lucky and Randi's story...
| Vintage: | 2006 |
| Wine Type: | Bold Red Wine |
| Alcohol %: | 14.6 |
We knew this wine had to be special—the pedigree of the noble and endearing Yellow Labrador Retriever demanded it. And “Lucky,” the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) assistance dog gracing the label, is a very special Lab, indeed. Admittedly, our goal was lofty: produce a wine with the finesse and character of the finest Bordeaux’s along with the exceptional concentration of California’s very best fruit. This 2006 “Lucky” Bordeaux blend features Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a splash of Cabernet Franc from the esteemed Spring Mountain appellation in Napa Valley, as well as Merlot from steep-sloped vineyards in the benchlands of west Dry Creek Valley. The grapevines grown on these sites are smaller than their valley floor counterparts, yielding small crops of tiny berries. The fruit is a winemaker’s dream—combining the concentration and complexity of its flavors with balanced tannin and acidity, which drives the wine’s age-ability. Experiencing how a great wine opens and blossoms during a good meal is one of life’s finest pleasures. As for “Lucky,” consider how the dark cherry, boysenberry and smoky plum aromas expand and intensify; how the red currant, pomegranate and cranberry flavors ripen in the glass as notes of floral and spice are gradually revealed. Lastly, take time to revel in the finish—a seemingly endless array of fresh-crushed pure California fruits with hints of smoky cedar, dark chocolate and dried blueberries. Considering the time, energy and love that went into producing this wine, it makes sense that consuming it should be a leisurely and intimate experience. So, invite a friend or two over for some great wine, food and stories. And, speaking of friends, be sure to raise a glass of “Lucky” while toasting humankind’s best friends, our dogs.