🏰 Sloan's Asterisk 2006, the second label of cult Cab Sloan, is a compelling expression from a challenging yet rewarding Napa Valley vintage. The 2006 harvest in Napa Valley was a "grower's year" with varied challenges, but skillful winemaking resulted in intense, refined Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine, often Merlot-based, is known for being more approachable in its youth than its big brother. Tasting notes reveal a beautiful nose of ripe dark fruit, with rich blackberry, plum, and boysenberry on the palate. It has integrated nicely over time, with heat and alcohol elements mellowing, offering notes of cherries, cedar, spices, and a bit of earthiness, with manageable tannins and a moderate finish. 🍴 This rich Napa Valley red would be excellent with robust Cantonese dishes like roasted pigeon (紅燒乳鴿) or braised beef short ribs with daikon (蘿蔔炆牛腩). For Western cuisine, consider grilled prime rib, slow-cooked lamb shoulder, or a hearty mushroom and truffle pasta. 🥂 Ideal for a casual yet sophisticated dinner with friends or a relaxed evening by the fireplace. It's drinking well now and is expected to have several more years of good drinking ahead. A half-hour decant is recommended to allow it to open up and express its full character. Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F).