Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

The Malibu Estate and Christian Rougenet have a knack for consistently turning out rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignons of true distinction and style, and the 2007 Rosenthal The Malibu Estate is no exception.  It is quite similar to the estate’s outstanding 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, beginning with The Malibu Estate’s inky black robe, beguiling bouquet, and decadent fruit.  Enticing aromas of blackberry, chocolate, and sandalwood well up from the glass to regale the nose.  And in the mouth you will once again be rewarded with The Malibu Estate’s signature flavors: cassis, dark chocolate, mint and subtle spice, all of which unfold slowly to offer layer upon layer of hedonistic pleasure.  From the first sip, the immensely appealing 2007 The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon offers the grateful imbiber superb flavor and texture in a supremely balanced format.  Moreover, the 2007 Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon finishes with the estate’s renowned spice box finish.  Always ready to drink upon release, the 2007 Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet needs only a short stay in a glass or decanter to begin the show.  However, Rosenthal’s Cabernets age slowly and beautifully, so another year or more in bottle will only add to the wine’s present charms.  For optimal enjoyment, we suggest serving this knock-out Cabernet Sauvignon at cool room temperature (60º-64º F). Enjoy! 

Since its release, Rosenthal’s The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has served as a bellwether of conviviality and grace at table.  Making its appearance at intimate Hollywood gatherings and exclusive restaurants across the country has placed The Malibu Estate Cabernet in the company of some of the tastiest and most imaginative meals in the land.  However, one need not be intimidated by this wine’s pedigree: The 2007 The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is no prima donna.  Meat, cheese, and the more savory aspects of a meal all do great homage to this exuberant Cabernet.  Consequently, roast leg of lamb, prepared Provencal style with garlic, olive oil and fresh rosemary, provides one of our favorite accomplices to this exceptional Cabernet.  The pronounced flavor of the lamb melds with the full flavor of the wine to provide a perfect pairing.  Tender cuts of beef, such as Filet Mignon and Châteaubriand, offer equally fine accompaniments that showcase the flavor and complexity of this wine.  Buffalo Pot Roast, served with roasted root vegetables; duck breast, venison, spit roasted hens, and gourmet cheeses make other excellent complements to the 2007 Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet.   However, if all you want is a splendid Cabernet Sauvignon to drink unabashedly, the 2007 Rosenthal The Malibu Estate Cabernet Sauvignon won’t disappoint.  It is a wine to drink and enjoy, now and for many years to come.

The Malibu Estate, the country home of George Rosenthal, continues to produce Southern California’s finest wines.  Critics have commented that The Malibu Estate has two distinct levels of wine: great and greater.  And after two decades of splendid wines, it would be hard to argue against that summation.  The estate’s low yields and small production make it difficult to turn out anything but the best.  This winery fashions a delicious, ripe, succulent Merlot and an exceptional estate Cabernet Sauvignon that has become the winery’s claim to fame.  Nonetheless, with Rosenthal’s enviable record with red wines, it would be easy to lose sight of the fact that The Malibu Estate also produces southern California’s most compelling Chardonnay, albeit it in small quantities.  In fact, the estate’s Chardonnay may be California’s best kept secret.  All of Rosenthal’s estate bottled wines are made using sustainable methods of agriculture and now bear the distinct Malibu Newton Canyon appellation. 

In addition to crafting superb wines under The Malibu Estate banner, Rosenthal is responsible for Platinum Surfrider, a special meritage bottling from the estate’s Malibu vineyards as well as a Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc under the Surfrider label from California’s Central Coast.  Rosenthal Estate Wines donates a percentage of the profits from all Surfrider wines to the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots, non-profit, environmental organization that is dedicated to protecting the oceans, waves, and beaches along the California coast.

The force and vision behind Rosenthal Estate Wines is of course George Rosenthal.  George has been a real estate developer, restaurant/hotel owner, movie mogul, and breeder of fine Andalusian horses.  However, his primary passion for the past two decades has been fashioning Rosenthal The Malibu Estate into a living, sustainable work of art.  The artist in residence is French winemaker Christian Rougenet, who spares no expense in the pursuit of full throttle, highly extracted wines of distinction.  At Rosenthal Estate Wines The Malibu Estate, the grapes are entirely handpicked from low yield vines and the resulting hand crafted wines are all aged in the finest French oak barrels.  The estate’s red wines are bottled un-fined and un-filtered.  Moreover, no wine is released until it is ready to drink, a practice that defies contemporary economic exigencies but aptly defines this estate’s commitment to quality.  Hopefully, the impending sale of this great property won’t change the quality or style of wine we have been enjoying for two decades.