The Counterpoint packs a full-bodied, concentrated punch. It displays a fine violet rim with a black core that speaks to its brightness and depth. The long and mostly cool growing season in 2004 produced both aromas of great finesse and complex flavors. The wine's nose is a lovely mélange of violets, raspberry, dark cherries, peppercorn and spice. There are other notions of holly, licorice and forest floor. The first sip reveals a dusty minerality and an inviting and smooth mouth feel. Give it time in the glass and it reveals itself further. This is a supple wine with delicious black currant flavors and hints of cedar.
Holly leaves, laurel, blackberry, black currant and cedar.
After completing two degrees in English literature and philosophy of religion, Patrick Campbell first started making a living as a vineyard manager by day and a musician by night, playing the viola in various Bay Area symphonies. Fulfilling a dream, he and his wife Faith bought three acres and began farming Laurel Glen in 1977. The vineyards, most of which were replanted in 1968, now encompass some 35 acres in 9 contiguous blocks on the red, rocky, volcanic eastern facing slopes of Sonoma Mountain at 1,000 feet above Glen Ellen. Farming is organic and meticulous on the sparse soils, which produce low yields and high-quality fruit. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
With all those bold fruit flavors in the Counterpoint, my recipe for Brined Short Ribs with 5 Onion Cavalo Nero will make for an excellent pairing. This is pure comfort food for any time of the year when family and friends are all gathering. The braised short ribs are even better when made the day ahead. Serve with a side of my Soft Polenta and I can guarantee all of your guests will be swooning with delight.
Campbell has a love for Argentina and owns a small high-altitude vineyard of old-vine Malbec. It's an amazingly dark, dense, fragrant, and intensely exotic wine called Vale la Pena, which in Spanish means "worth the effort." He says it is!
