The Humble Thistle
TASTING NOTES: “The 2022 vintage at Juliana Vineyard, a Stewart Family Estate vineyard in Napa Valley, produced a fruit forward and fine tannin structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Featuring characters of fresh berry jam, muddled blackberry, and cocoa on the nose, the palate is perfectly balanced with flavors of dark cherry and cola framed by elegant tannins and a touch of French oak.” (AbV 14.5%, pH 3.84, TA 5.52 g/L)
VARIETALS: Cabernet Sauvignon
BARRELS: French oak, 45% new.
PAIRS WITH: N/A
THAT REMINDS ME OF: Thistles.
A term used to describe most flowering plants that have spiky leaves, along with other prickly parts. But not cacti, obviously. The majority of thistles are in the family Asteraceae, including artichokes! The spiked bits are intended to discourage animals from eating it, and for the most part it seems to work. Except for artichokes. Thistles play an important role for pollinators as well, often a primary source of nectar. They also are also featured on emblems for Scotland and the Lorraine region of France.
Unfortunately, they are often times regarded as weeds. While there are certainly invasive species and they can disrupt crops, as well as repel grazing animals if there’s too much, like most things at this point, they play a significant role in maintaining existing ecosystems.
