While I am always excited to try new wines and share my thoughts about them, I rarely get excited about physically sitting down at my PC and typing up a review. This time however, is an exception, as I have been excited about writing this review since my trip to Napa Valley back in May. While I have enjoyed many amazing wines during that trip, it was a few smaller and lesser known wineries that provided some of the most unique experiences. One of those wineries was Phifer Pavitt, in Calistoga, who only make a single wine in a Cabernet Sauvignon called 'Date Night'. The name 'Date Night' refers to the one night a week, owners Suzanne and her husband Shane, would put aside for themselves, arrange a babysitter for their children and enjoy a night out with just each other. It was on this night the couple made nearly all of the big decisions in their life together, including the decision to buy a property in Napa and start a winery!
Owner, Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, met me personally and took me into her charming, country style tasting room and poured me a glass of her 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon. In just a few small sips I was instantly impressed. A few more sips and I recall telling Suzanne that her Cabernet was one of the best wines I'd tried in Napa so far and at this point I had only one more tasting room before I left Napa.
I purchased a bottle then and there and have held onto it since, waiting for the perfect time to open and enjoy this great Napa Cabernet with the right company. A close friend of mine from Sydney decided to join me in Los Angeles and when he said he couldn't wait to have a Californian steak, I knew the combination would be a match made in heaven!
Deep cherry red in colour, both it's aroma and flavour show an immaculate blend of fruit and oak characters. It is incredibly smooth for a Cab so young by Napa standards, and I found myself rather bummed when my one and only bottle was finished! A truly wonderful wine, made by great people and it comes with a great story... did I tell you that it was the official wine at the after party for the Steve Corell & Tina Fey movie 'Date Night' ?
Phifer Pavitt 2007 Date Night Cabernet Sauvignon
Price - $75 but unfortunately sold out! Try Fine Wine retailers in and around Napa for the best chances of grabbing a bottle.
I did see it available on-line at Golden Gate Wine Cellars
Region - Calistoga, Napa Valley, California
Final Sip - Luckily for Suzanne & Shane none of their date nights have had quiet the drama portrayed in the Hollywood film, but their wine is every bit a Blockbuster!
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