Wine of the Week: Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (CA) $53

Chateau St. Jean's Cinq Cépages (meaning "five varieties") is a beautiful Bordeaux inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Chateau St. Jean's winemaking team has created a Cab that is ultra-approachable, offering a dynamic marriage of power and elegance. The distinguished aromas of raspberry, blackberry and fresh chocolate shavings make up the first impressions on the nose. The palate profile offers up a second chorus of blackberries, rich plum, and minor notes of blueberry bordered by well-assimilated tannins and a bit of espresso on the long-lived finish.

As a fun aside, this fall I had the chance to try my hand at blending my own version of the '06 Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cépages during a blending seminar through a well-organized media tour. Check out my Cinq Cépages blending session details here and learn how you can set up a reservation to participate in one as well.