2007 Markham "The Philanthropist" Cabernet Sauvignon

Markham Vineyards has been around since 1978, but the land was home to wine grapes as far back as 1874. This makes it the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in Napa. They produce a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and a Chardonnay, but they also make two very special wines: The Philanthropist and The Altruist are dedicated to recipients of charitable grants issued by Markham (more on that below). There are wines that are associated with specific charities or causes, but I like this one because each year there's a different recipient and a broad spectrum of subjects are covered.

2007 Markham "The Philanthropist" Cabernet Sauvignon
Yountville, Napa
$55, 14.5% abv.
511 cases produced
It's a rich and complex Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with an initial aroma of chocolate and leather. As it opens up you get hints of black cherry and fig on the palate. The profile is deep, strong, and full bodied with firm tannins and a long finish. In another couple of years it should be even better.

I enjoyed it with a thick grilled ribeye and baked potato. There are times when you want a big cab and a classic steakhouse dinner, and this was just such an occasion.

Here are the organizations that recently received grants from Markham:

In the fall of 2010, Markham will release the 2007 vintage of The Philanthropist and The Altruist dedicated to the 2009 Mark of Distinction winners, Island Sled Hockey, of Lynbrook, NY, and the Paul Ruby Foundation of Geneva, IL.

The Long Island Sled Hockey program for both physically and mentally handicapped athletes in Lynbrook, NY, is the nation’s largest and most inclusive sled hockey program in the country. The Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Geneva, IL, is committed to funding clinical research to extend the knowledge, treatment and awareness of Parkinson’s disease.

Note: This wine was received as a sample.