Some readers will ask why I devoted a few sentences (and a considerable part of my brainpower) to trying to decide what to make of wine and social media; blended together like a good Bordeaux or Super Tuscan. Being the social media newbie that I am, this phenomenon (I'm still going to call it that) fascinates me because of it's reach and power to harness people from literally everywhere under one theme or idea.
I'm examining the upcoming "Cabernet Day" event and adding my thoughts. Tomorrow, September 2nd, wine lovers will open bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon around the world, then utilize Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc to discuss what they're drinking. Wine and social media, not exactly a new concept, certainly not an old concept either.
Cabernet Day, created by Rick Bakas at St. Supery, has moved beyond the digital realm and his own employer to feature many wineries around the country (and world) who will be hosting special events during the entire day. The specials and promotions include "Cabernet Packs" at reduced prices, special flights at their tasting bars and even catered events! At last count there are 41 different events, "Meetups", around the world. Impressive!
Down here in San Diego, I know my wine friends (San Diego Wine Mafia! #SDWM on Twitter) will be joining the fun. As I watch my friends (both real and online) on my Twitter stream, I can see the vast majority of Tweeps (Twitter Peeps) will be doing something or going somewhere to taste and talk Cabernet.
What will I be doing? Drinking Cabernet Sauvignon of course! I've chosen a 2005 Concha y Toro Don Melchor to drink tomorrow. It's been sitting in my cellar for about two years now, just patiently waiting to expose itself to the world. Umm..You have a dirty mind. That is all.
Why this wine? That's easy for me to answer, I tried it two years ago, loved it then and am excited to taste it again. While the Don Melchor is my last bottle of the 2005 vintage, the fact that I'll be able to sample and share it with people both virtually and live (hopefully) excites me to no end.
A bit of background from Wine Spectator Magazine: "This is still very tight, but the tannins that lead the way now are sleek and refined, and should easily meld into the huge core of roasted chestnut, black currant paste, warm fig and tar. Has a long coffee-and-loam-tinged finish. Best from 2009 through 2019." (06/08) - 96 points
Concha y Toro says: "Puente Alto Vineyard is located in the highest, coldest region of the Maipo Valley. Don Melchor is harvested from 114 Cabernet Sauvignon hectares within this larger vineyard. In this section, vines are 20 years old on average and yield fruit of extraordinary quality. Don Melchor is a blend-wine, made with selected grapes harvested from carefully drawn plots. The 2005 has a nose expressive and complex where chocolate, black cherry and ripe plum notes mingle in a pot of coffee and cassis. The palate features a dense, full-bodied wine whose fine, ripe tannins extend the concentration and lead into a big, long and juicy finish."
I had originally decided on a backup bottle of 2004 D.R. Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon, but after discussions with my friend, who basically said "What the hell is wrong with you, save that stuff!", I'm leaning towards something from Washington or even a Bordeaux. I've got a bottle of 2003 Chateau Desmirail, which at 63% Cabernet Sauvignon does qualify for Cabernet Day. Plus, it's from Margaux and I do love Margaux wines. I just can't afford to buy them very often.
I'm predicting an overwhelming success for Cabernet Day, watching tweets and Facebook comments is going to be a lot of fun. More importantly, the sense of community this event will build serves to bring more people into the world of wine. That's precisely what we want right? A bigger community of people who enjoy wine and talking about the wines they're drinking.
You can catch me on Twitter here or on Facebook here.
Beau Carufel
Those are some pretty rad options. Yep. Rad.
ReplyDeleteDR Stephens was the producer that turned Chas on to Cabernet. We don't see much of it up here, is it a pretty big name in CA?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say it's hard to find down here, but it isn't in every wine shop either. I'd say it's well known amongst CA Cab fans.
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