Cadence Cara Maria Vineyard Bel Canto 2006

Professional Ratings

• 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

  As it approaches the age of 12, the 2006 Bel Canto is drinking very well, wafting from the glass with a complex bouquet of minty cassis, cigar box, rich soil and candied peel. On the palate, it's rich, medium-bodied and supple, with a lavish attack, velvety tannins and ripe core of fruit. Structurally open-knit and giving, now's a great time to drink it, but it should cruise along gracefully for another decade. Considering this wine was produced only three years after Cadence's Cara Mia Vineyard was planted, it's immensely impressive.

• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  The complement to the Camerata from Cadence, this estate-grown blend is 52% Cab Franc and 48% Merlot. There’s a juicy core that is delightful, with ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit. Both of the Cara Mia wines see 50% new oak for a full 18 months, and at this early age this shows as aliquorous, almost bourbony aftertaste. The aromatics display dark notes of smoke and coffee, along with some mocha and cracker.
• 91 Wine Spectator
  Velvety, focused and lively, with rose petal–accented cherry and raspberry flavors. Finishes with a silky feel and real generosity. Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2013. 615 cases made.