Cannonball - now there is an interesting name for a wine. But what kind of cannonball are they referring to?
Could it be the 12-pounders used in the cannons of the Revolutionary and Civil wars? Is it the fictional train of song and story "The Wabash Cannonball" or maybe the Cannonball Express on TV’s Petticoat Junction? Could it be the name of a wrestling move or a term used in Nascar?
None of the above are the case. The cannonball that Cannonball Wine Co. winemakers have chosen for their label portrays the youthful joy of the running, knee-grabbing dive into the water to create the biggest splash possible.
The winemakers' logic of giving such a name to a wine escapes us, but it is probably comparing the enjoyment of their wine to the great delight of the splasher when he hits the water, producing a gargantuan liquid deluge, much to the disdain of the splashees.
Cannonball wines, however, are for the fun-loving splashers and probably also the good-humored splashees.
Cannonball 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99)The Cannonball 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine made for immediate drinking, not one of those deep and dark brooding cabs that must be aged for years before it is ready to drink.
There are none of the harsh tannins - the element that gives many red wines a mouth-puckering effect - and the fruit is, typical of a California wine, right up front. Those flavors are of big ripe strawberries, blueberries and dark chocolate, coupled with a pleasing under-flavor of oak.
Because of its bright and fruity flavor, this wine is not restricted to the traditional fare that is reserved for other cabernet sauvignon wines. This drink will go with any grilled or roasted meats, cheeses and vegetable dishes and is also a perfect accompaniment for any Italian-style foods.
Cannonball 2010 Sonoma County Merlot ($14.99) The Cannonball 2010 Sonoma County Merlot has the brilliant amethyst color of a classical merlot and a full, nearly overpowering varietal flavor and aroma.
The wine displays bold blackberry with a background of chocolate and oak and also presents a fascinating under-flavor that vintners describe as earthy. This component adds another layer of character and complexity to the wine.
All of these factors combine to make this merlot an enjoyable wine which, like the cabernet sauvignon, can accompany a broad spectrum of foods from the heaviest cuts of meat to the lightest, as well as full-flavored grilled seafood and many cheeses.
Cannonball 2010 Sonoma County Chardonnay ($14.99) The reigning "king of the whites" is well portrayed in this offering.
It is a bright and open wine that shows off all the charms of which a chardonnay is capable.
The wine is well-oaked, both in the aroma and the flavor, so if you enjoy wines that have a solid oak backbone, this one is for you.
The flavor and aroma encompass the sensations of oak, vanilla, green apples and pears. Unlike many of our modern chardonnay wines, this wine has a positive and lingering fruity aftertaste.
With all that has been said and written about chardonnay wines, all we can add is, be sure to try this one.
Cannonball North Coast 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($14.99)The often-underrated sauvignon blanc grape rises to new heights of quality with this offering from Cannonball.
The Cannonball North Coast 2011 Sauvignon Blanc accents all the fruit flavors that can be coaxed from the grape variety. Gone, are the grassy flavors and aromas often associated with a sauvignon blanc wine, having been replaced by the rich fruit flavors of nectarine, melon and Mandarin orange. Oak and vanilla are also present as under-flavors and add their individual charm to the wine.
If you have tried sauvignon blanc wine in the past and had been turned off by the grassy and vegetative aromas and flavors, try this wine; it is totally different and totally exquisite.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.
