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Conn Creek 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Paired with Grilled Tri-Tip
Aromas of blackberry and creme de cassis lead to flavors of sweet spice and ripe cherries. Smooth and enticing, this wine shows good depth and fruit density. It is elegant enough for near term enjoyment, yet has the structure to reward additional aging.
The 2001 vintage in Napa Valley was characterized by its early start, quick growing season and ideal summer weather. The growing conditions produced ripe, well-balanced, aromatic and flavorful fruit. Cabernet fruit from Collins Vineyard, Conn Creek’s original vineyard, provided the backbone of this bottling. Located just north of St. Helena, Collins Vineyard produces well-structured, small berries with concentrated, complex flavors and aromas of cherries, chocolate, and violets.
The winery, which was built in 1979 at 8711 Silverado Trail, lies just below the prestigious Auberge du Soleil on the overlooking Rutherford Hill. Conn Creek originally took its name from the creek that runs near the Rutherford Crossroad not far from the winery site. The winery features a Mediterranean-style building, the flavor of much of Napa Valley's architecture, and a picturesque garden and newly expanded barrel room.
“Conn Creek’s history in the Napa Valley is a rich one,” said Ted Baseler, President and CEO of Stimson Lane Vineyards & Estates, parent company of Conn Creek. “Over the years, it has produced some of Napa Valley’s greatest Bordeaux-style red wines.”
Founded in 1973, Conn Creek immediately secured its place as one of Napa Valley’s premier Cabernet houses with the release of its 1974 Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1979, the winery moved into its present location south of St. Helena on the scenic Silverado Trail.
In the 1990s, Conn Creek focused exclusively on Cabernet and its famed “Anthology” Cab-based blend. Since Anthology’s inaugural 1991 vintage, the wine has earned 90+ scores in wine publications for each consecutive vintage.
Conn Creek Winery is located at 8711 Silverado Trail in St. Helena The 2001 is currently being poured in the tasting room, open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (707) 963-9100.
GRILLED TRI TIP
Ingredients
3 pounds Tri-tip steak
2 cups Water
2 cups Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
1/4 cup Brown sugar
2 each Lemons, juiced
2 each Oranges, juiced
5 each Garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 each Yellow onion, sliced
Directions
Mix all ingredients, except the meat, together in a large baking pan, making sure that the sugar is completely dissolved. Rub the meat with olive oil making sure that it is well coated. Add the marinade to the meat making sure that the tri-tip is very well coated with the liquid. Cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, fire up the BBQ grill. Take meat out of marinade and cook to desired doneness.
Serve with assorted grilled vegetables.
Recipe generously provided by Chef Alberto Salazar
Wine Suggestions
Conn Creek 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
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