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Wines
of the Week:
California Cabernet
In
much of California, Cabernet is king. Given the number of warm,
sunshine-filled days the state experiences each year, it's not
really a surprise. And, since so many people grow Cab, it means
there's lots of quality fruit, which leads to some great wines
at reasonable prices. Enjoy!
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Treana
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Treana
Grape(s): 90%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petite
Sirah
Region: Paso Robles, California
Year:
2016
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Intoxicating aromas of blueberries, currants, blackberries
come together among traces of toasty brown spice, butterscotch,
and herbs. Polished tannins frame lush flavors of blueberry,
black cherry, and cassis, accented by elements of caramel,
toasty clove, and mocha. Forward and exhibiting a lot
of barrel influence, fans of smooth (almost sweet) Cabs
will enjoy this.
Rating: 90 |
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St.
Francis 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
St.
Francis
Grape(s): Cabernet
Region: Sonoma
County, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
There's aromatics of currants and blackberries that combine
with elements of espresso, cedar, and brown spice on the
nose. A sip delivers flavors of dark cherry and cassis
that flow into allusions of mocha, cedar, and all-spice.
Polished tannins and welcoming fruit make this a solid
Cab for the price.
Rating: 89 |
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San
Simeon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
San
Simeon
Grape(s): Cabernet
Sauvignon
Region: Paso
Robles, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A mix of currant and blackberry aromas play among expressions
of cedar, mint, and mocha on the nose. Your taste buds
are greeted by flavors of bramble berries and dried currants
that weave together with suggestions of floral earth,
cocoa, and mint. Dry with dusty tannins, it's an "old
school" Cabernet, with a compelling savory character.
Rating: 90 |
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Husch
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery:
Husch
Grape(s): Cabernet
Region: Mendocino
County, Ca
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose brings together aromas of blackberries, cherries,
and currants with expressions of earth, espresso, and
barrel spice. Flavors of bramble berry, plum, and cherry
meld with nuances of roast coffee, dark chocolate, and
earth on the palate. Supple tannins and a reserved fruit
character make this a Cab for lamb.
Rating: 89 |
By
Jason Barlow
Other
Related Links:
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
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