Aron
Hill 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
This
estate grown cabernet greets you with a heady nose with
hints of cherry and raspberries. Very smooth, this well
aged cab with gentle oak overtones does not disappoint with
its subtle tannins and hints of pepper. A delightful and
drinkable cab thatís bold enough to stand up to a
steak. It definitely stood up to ours. |
Beaulieu
Vineyard 2006 Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Sourced from selected blocks from the winery's original
estate, this latest Georges de Latour Cabernet Sauvignon
is a fine expression of the area's terroir. Swirl a glass
to release aromas of ripe bramble fruit, black currants,
dark chocolate, coffee, clove, and licorice. Full-bodied
with a firm structure, the wine is still rather smooth with
blackberry, plum, semi-sweet chocolate, and roast coffee
flavors drifting across the palate. There is great aging
potential here. Ten years in the cellar would do wonders.
Score: 89 |
Beaulieu
Vineyard, Georges de Latour
Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The first Georges de Latour Cabernet vintage came in 1936.
This most recent addition to the line adds another gem to
the long history of quality. The wine's full body holds
up rich dark fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum.
Soft hints of vanilla round out the palate. Gentle tannins
and a touch of acidity provide the wine with a lovely balance,
which makes for an exquisite drinkability. A perfect wine
to compliment a beef tenderloin or an exceptional steak. |
Black
Ridge Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from entirely estate fruit, this Cabernet Sauvignon was
accented with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, then
aged in French oak for 20 months. In a glass, this ruby-violet
wine opens up with rich cherry aromas, followed by deeper
notes of rose petal, tar, and earth. On the palate, flavors
of blackberry, cherry, truffles, and hints of spice unfold
with each slow sip. A soft wine with light tannins makes
for great drinkability. Try it with a plank steak with onions
and cumin seeds.
Score: 84 |
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Dean's List" Cabernet
Sauvignon /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from fruit grown on the Pichon and Luchessi vineyards, this
blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet
Franc was aged in French oak for 24 months. The resulting
wine unfolds with rich fruit flavors of cherry, plum, and
blackberry. Vibrant herbal notes, black pepper, licorice,
and smoky leather add a very nice depth. Supple tannins
and good structure promise this wine will age quite nicely,
so enjoy a bottle now, but save another for the cellar.
Score:
85 |
Byington
Winery 2004 Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Here
we have a fine example of a Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet.
Swirl and sip to discover the rich layers of flavors, with
black currants, truffles, earth, lavender, cherry, and chocolate
all mingling together. A concentrated, bold wine now, it
also has the structure to age for up to 10 years. 500 cases
were produced to get a bottle to try now and another to
save for the cellar.
Score: 85
|
Byington
Winery 2005 Reichel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon /
Alexander Valley
Located
2000 feet above the Sonoma Valley in Geyserville, Byington
has been producing Cabernets from the fruit since the beginning
of the winery. After 20 months of barrel aging and no filtering,
the resulting wine is concentrated with supple tannins.
Allowed to open in a glass, deep flavors of cherry and blackberry
mingle with notes of lavender, cocoa, spice, and cedar.
Laid down properly, this is a wine that could age quite
nicely.
Score:
83 |
Byington
Winery 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
Made
from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with only seven barrels
chosen for the final blend, this is a bold, yet nicely balanced
wine. Aged in new oak, the wine opens nicely in a glass,
revealing ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and boysenberry
that wrap around soft notes of vanilla and bright highlights
of spice. With a full-body and supple tannins, there is
great promise for aging. Grill up a couple of peppercorn
seasoned steaks and uncork a bottle or two.
Score: 85 |
Calina,
Cabernet Sauvignon 1998
Valle Central Chile. Full fruit flavors cloaked in deep-dark
purple color. Spicy blackberry aroma with a hint of oak
and cherry palate. This wine has the layered character that
finishes longer. This is surprisingly good value-to-quality.
Drink now. Retail: $9.00-11.00 |
Carmenet,
Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 / North Coast Appellation
Sonoma, CA. A rich, bold Cabernet with fragrant aromas of
ripe currants, old leather, spices, and cedar with a soft
velvety finish that lingers on the palate. It is enjoyable
now as a young wine or let it age in the bottle for added
complexity. A perfect accompaniment with rich tomato pastas,
grilled beef or lamb. 707 996-5870 |
Carmenet,
Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Reserve
Moon Mountain - Sonoma Moon Mountain (Address: 1700 Moon
Mountain Dr., Sonoma, CA 95476, 707-996-5870, www.carmenetwinery.com)
Late-ripening Bordeaux grape varietals of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon,
7% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, produce a stylish, non-overbearing
nose, with aromas of cherries, black currant and spice.
The fruit flavors provide a soft after-taste and enjoyable
finish. The Chef's favorite at the tasting. Drinkable now
and should cellar nicely. Retail: $40.00 |
Concannon
Vineyard 2005 Assemblage Cabernet Sauvignon / Central Coast
This
rich Cabernet is made in the style of elegant Bordeaux wines.
Central Coast and Livermore Valley fruit was aged in carefully
in selected oak barrels after long periods of cool fermentation.
The resulting wine is one which deserves your full attention.
Pause to appreciate the deep purple hue and its soft ruby
edges. Take a sip and firm tannins allow lush flavors
of black cherry, currants, and plum to drift over your palate,
unfolding into a silky finish that offers complex layers
of oak, dark chocolate, and hints of smoke. A very
nice wine that deserves the company of elegant cheeses or
a delectable cut of filet mignon. Open a bottle now,
but cellar one for later, too. |
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
A wet growing season and long harvest yielded a crop of
excellent fruit for this vintage. Aged for 18 months in
French oak and blended with Merlot to add further complexity,
this Cabernet unfurls a nose jam-packed with layers of fruit,
including plum, cherry, boysenberry, blackberry, and currants.
From its deep, dark purple hue pours ripe red fruit flavors
that unfold upon plush tannins into dynamic notes of cedar,
spice, and herbs, with a hint of black olive on the lingering
finish. Serve this wine with grilled lamb in rosemary pepper
marinade and enjoy. |
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon
2005
Fruit from five different estate vineyards was blended with
a touch of Merlot and aged in oak for 20 months to produce
this fine wine of excellent depth. Held up to sunlight,
the very deep violet hue glows. Connoisseurs will admire
the rich and complex nose packed with earthy overtones of
hickory, smoke, and cedar, contrasted by mellow notes of
red fruit and vanilla. Nicely structured and well-balanced,
the palate opens up with flavors of cassis and blackberry
surrounding pockets of earth that finish soft and smooth.
Indulge in a bottle now, and cellar another for ten years,
as this wine shows great promise for development. |
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 / Monitor
Ledge
With its cobblestones and gravelly, sandy loam soil, vines
struggle to grow on the Monitor Ledge Vineyard but produce
excellent fruit. This estate grown Cabernet, blended with
a touch of Merlot and Petit Verdot and aged in French oak,
is a well-structured, mouth-filling wine. Swirl a glass
and lush aromas of cherry, raspberry, and red currants rise
from the deep purple hue, mingling with subtle hints of
sweet spice. On the palate, velvety tannins unfurl layers
of red fruit with elegant notes of vanilla, chocolate, and
coffee that finish oh so smoothly. An exceptional Cabernet,
it deserves to compliment a juicy beef tenderloin, seasoned
with roast garlic and rosemary. |
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 / Patzimaro
Vineyard
At the based of Spring Mountain, the Patzimaro Vineyard
enjoys high daytime temperatures and mild, cool evenings
that produce outstanding fruit. The favorable growing conditions
of the vineyard, combined with a fine growing season, have
turned out a refined and balanced wine. From its deep black-purple
hue, classic scents of black currants, blueberry, spicy
earth, and mint envelop the senses. Sip slowly and close
your eyes to savor the rich dark fruit flavors, lovely acidity,
and soft tannins. The gentle dusty finish conjures up the
majestic Napa countryside. Treat yourself to a bottle now,
and cellar one away for ten years. Then treat yourself again |
Epoch
- Millennium Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Dry Creek Valley Dry Creek Vineyard (Address: 3770 Lambert
Bridge Rd., Healdsburg - 707-433-1000) The berry nose layered
with cherry, berry, and chocolate of this wine will please
the palate; subtle spices, mint earth and leather in the
background. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot combine
for a rich harmonious jammy experience. Epoch has a smooth,
lingering finish like fingers up your spine. Aging potential
8-12 years. Packaged in a custom, four-bottle, wooden lay-down
box. This is a gift for that Food & Beverage Director
who likes very special wines. Buy now, limited quantity.
Retail: $60.00 per bottle (tasting room only) |
Flora
Springs Winery 2006 Rutherford Hills Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
/ Rutherford
Sourced exclusively from their famous J block, this vintage
delivers another classic Rutherford Cabernet. The bouquet
is striking with strawberry jam and black cherry mingling
with musty earth and cocoa. When sipped, black currants
and cherries flow into bright notes of minerals and hints
of truffles building to a signature dusty finish. While
very nice now, ten years in the cellar would do nothing
but good for a bottle.
Score: 90 |
Flora
Springs, Rutherford Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2005
The rich golden color of this 100% chardonnay estate grown
wine hints at its rich toasty vanilla aromas surrounded
by Meyers lemon zest, flint, and rose geranium. Flavored
with orchards of another era of Sonoma history, taste the
nectarine, lemon, papaya, sweet almond, and ripe pear that
gives way to a floral, lemon verbena finish with zesty acids
and a soft hint of English toffee. Pair a nice chilled bottle
of this oh so drinkable wine with your favorite summer salad
topped with left over salmon, or freshly skewered shrimp.
Eat light, feel refreshed, and have that second bottle handy
- you'll be wanting it. |
Fountainhead
Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Rains that lingered until April combine with a mild summer
bestowed this 2005 fruit with well developed flavors. The
bouquet presents with indulgent aromas of raspberry and
cherry layered over earthier scents. A pleasant acidity
provides the wine with a bright character, which is balanced
nicely by rich fruit flavors of black cherry and plum that
fill the palate, along with a bold sprinkling of classic
Rutherford dust |
4
Sisters Ranch 2005 Cabernet-Sauvignon / Paso Robles
A laidback
and balanced wine make this Cabernet easy on the palate.
It offers a sophisticated floral nose with hints of violet,
black currants, cherries, chocolate, and yes, vanilla, that
heightened this drinkerís curiosity. The wineís
subtle tannins make for a light mouthful, and soft fruit
flavors provide a pleasant hint of sweetness. A great wine
to pair with lighter grilled meats, honey walnut prawns,
or a braised lamb shank. |
Halter
Ranch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
A laid
back nose with a strong body, this dark, complex cabernet
has a sophisticated nose of currants and ripe blackberries.
Overtones of chocolate, olives, and hints of oak help to
integrate all the flavors in a rich mouth fill with deep
tannins. The long finish keeps you coming back for more.
Designed to age well, this wine is perfect for aging over
the next decade. |
Hewitt
Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
This is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon produced with 100% Rutherford
fruit that shows in its deep layers. Currents, plum, blackberry,
chocolate, clove, and cedar ascend from a freshly swirled
glass. On the palate, signature dusty tannins carry intense
black fruit flavors which unfold into notes of roast coffee,
vanilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. Quite dry and
bright, the wine can stand up to the hardiest of beef dishes.
Enjoy now or age a bottle for five years. Score:
88 |
Hewitt
Vineyard, Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Ideal weather conditions aloud for remarkable hang time
of this 2005 Cabernet crop. The result is a big wine with
a bold reddish-purple hue, a nose full of dark fruit and
oak, offering sumptuous flavors of black-cherry as well
as ripe plum. A tinge of licorice and sage round out the
wine's intense palate. A touch of Rutherford dust lingers
on the finish, along with hints of coffee. With a full body
and firm tannins, this wine can hold up to rich red meats
like a bold steak or roast lamb. |
Honig
Winery, Mitchell Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Made from 100% Rutherford fruit, this wine shows the benefits
of well drained soil and pristine exposure. After twenty
months of aging in French oak, a full, rich wine emerged,
offering lush flavors of dark berries amid highlights of
spice mixed with earthy herbs. Bold tannins fill the palate
upon each sip before giving way to a signature dusty finish.
Pairing it with your favorite steak promises not to disappoint. |
Justin
Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 / Paso Robles
An elegant, dark red Cabernet with a heady bouquet of raspberry,
cherry and notes of smokey mushroom, and vanilla. Soft tannins
make for a velvety palate that is balanced nicely with a
dry finish. The finish lingers with soft tannins and overtones
of cedar and oak. A highly drinkable wine by itself or paired
with a seared Ahi-tuna, Porterhouse steak, or barbecued
quail! Aged 18 months in both American and French oak barrels.
Buy one for now and one for the cellar. |
Lake
Sonoma Winery, Alexander Valley Cabernet 1996 / Geyserville,
CA
On the nose this wine has fruit forward berries sprinkled
with light oak undertones, in the mouth these flavors become
more concentrated with dark red fruit and aged oak. The
spiced berries flow down the palate transforming into a
full bodied satisfying finish. Enjoy this versatile Cabernet
with rack of lamb or pizza. 707 474-2999 |
Line
Shack 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / San Antonio Valley
While
the San Antonio Valley AVA is fairly new, this Cabernet
is one of the reasons people are taking notice. Hold a glass
up to sunlight and admire the deep purple hue. Sip slowly
and indulge in the rich flavors of black cherry, plum, chocolate,
vanilla, raspberry, and a hint of licorice. Smooth and light
on the tannins, this is a very nice wine, particularly for
the $20 range. Pair with tender lamb chops with a baby artichoke
sauté.
Score: 88 |
Loma
Prieta Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Santa Clara Valley
Aged
in a combination of French and American oak, this Cabernet
Sauvignon has supple tannins and a nice depth of flavor.
Allowed to open in a glass, flavors of currants and earth
flow into floral notes, with hints of tar, oak, and brown
sugar rounding out the profile. Pair this with a grilled
beef filet in a green peppercorn-brandy sauce and sit down
to a bottle.
Score:
83 |
Martin
& Weyrich 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Etrusco / Paso Robles
A tasteful
blend of 85% Cabernet and 15% Sangiovese make this a superb
wine. This understated Tuscan blend hits the mark with its
marriage of the dark rich fruit flavors of the Cabernet,
and the brighter red berry characteristic of the Sangiovese.
The full nose bouquet and the endless bottom belies the
simplicity of the blend. The mouthfeel is rich, well-balanced,
supple and smooth, yet the finish still retains a pleasing
hint of dryness. An incredibly fine wine overall. Pairs
exquisitely with tomato based dishes and pastas in general.
Makes a great impression sitting on the table, too ! |
Meander
2006 Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Sourced entirely from their Morisoli Vineyard this Cabernet
is available exclusively to the winery mailing list. Rich
black fruit dominates the nose with currants, plum, and
blackberry showing through. Hints of earth and mocha rise
up from deeper pockets. The palate reflects the dark fruit
aromas on the nose, with notes of clove, licorice, chocolate,
and bright minerals nuances proving some zip. Score:
88 |
Monterey
Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 1998 / San Jose, CA
A classic medium bodied Cabernet having deep red color and
aromas of chocolate, black cherry, and oak. This wine displays
excellent character for it's price and finishes with soft
tannins making it ready to drink now as an accompaniment
to lamb and beef dishes. 800 709-7667
|
Monticello
Vineyards 2006 Tietjen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
A grand expression of the winery's trademark elegance, the
2006 Tietjen Vineyard Cabernet is a lush, very smooth wine.
It opens with a lovely nose packed with sweet cherry and
raspberry, with soft hints of vanilla and spice. Sleek tannins
carry ripe berry flavors across the palate with lovely notes
of vanilla, toffee, oak, and herbs providing a very nice
depth. Only 224 cases were produced, so enjoy this one while
it is still available. Score:
92 |
Monticello,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Produced from fruit plucked right from the western Rutherford
bench, we are offered a truly delectable wine. The wine
bursts with lush scents of ripe cherries, along side notes
of spice and vanilla. Scrumptious blackberry and current
flavors mingle amid notes of herbs and soft minerals. A
touch of acidity deliverers a pleasant bright character
to the wine and makes for easy drinking. At $55-$60, this
is a cabernet that can rival some of its triple digit competition.
Only 224 cases were produced, so get a bottle while you
can. |
Murphy-Goode
Cabernet Sauvignon 1997
Alexander Valley Moon Mountain (Address: 4001 Highway 128,
P.O. Box 158, Geyserville, CA 95441, 800-499-7644, www.wines.com/murphy-goode/wines)
Colorful aromas of black fruit and spice. Full flavors lingers
across the palate. Blend of 83.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15%
Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot. Sweet fruit and ripe tannins
make for a it very drinkable now and will cellar. Retail:
20.00 |
Organic
Wine Works 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor's Reserve
/
Mendocino County
Using
not just organically grown grapes but also organic methods
of production, Organic Wine Works is an atypical label.
The wineís connection to the earth is clear in the
stout earthy nose that layers sour floral notes, with herbal
nuances, a touch of feta cheese, and ripe dark fruit. Blackberry,
sour cherry, forest floor, and a hint of toffee make up
the palate. Fans of robust, earthy wines wonít be
disappointed.
Score:
81 |
Organic
Wine Works 2007 “Radical" Cabernet Sauvignon
/ California
This
is a totally organic wine from start to finish. Swirling
a glass opens up a nose of dark plum, black currants, and
cinnamon, with hints of tobacco, black olive, and floral
notes. A sip of this easy drinking wine brings forth smooth
red fruit flavors that mingle with accents of lavender and
olive. Try a glass with a rich, sharp cheddar.
Score: 83 |
Pedemonte,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Harvesting the grapes by hand in the soft, cool hours just
after dawn, Pedemonte prides itself on meticulous and caring
winemaking. The result is a wine with deep garnet and crimson
hue offering lush cherry, blackberry, and current aromas.
A sip brings ripe dark fruit and cassis flavors. An elegant
dusty character accents the nicely balanced finish making
this a classic Rutherford cabernet. |
PEJU
2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
All the fruit was hand picked and hand sorted for this Cabernet,
and the extra care comes through in the quality. An invigorating
nose of ripe cherry, raspberry, plum, smoky oak, violets,
and vanilla greet the senses. When sipped, cherry, currants,
and plum unfurl into deeper notes of vanilla and a kiss
of toasty oak. Supple tannins and a very smooth finish make
this a lovely, elegant wine that deserves the company of
a juicy prime rib.. Score:
91 |
Peju
H.B Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Made from hand-selected grapes of the utmost quality, this
Peju cabernet is a delicious wine. Its color consists of
layered purple and ruby hues. Rich dark fruit, tobacco,
and leather emanate from the nose. Bold flavors of ripe
plums and blackberries pack the palate, with soft hints
of bitter chocolate lingering around the edges. This complex
wine of some intensity can be enjoyed with a New York Steak
now or aged over the next ten years for further development.
|
Pierce
Ranch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / San Antonio Valley
A
much wetter than average growing season meant careful crop
management to control yields. After harvest and an extended
cold soak, the fruit was aged 18 months in French oak. Swirl
a glass and soothing blackberry and dark cherry aromas rise
up to greet you. Sip and the cherry returns alongside boysenberry,
with subtler notes of cocoa and vanilla. Supple tannins
and a smooth mouthfeel give the wine a fine drinkability.
Try a bottle with a thick rib-eye steak with a garlic-salt
and pepper rub. |
Pina
2006 Firehouse Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
A bold wine that packs a powerful nose filled with cherry,
raspberry, plum and currants, with hints of herbs and spicy
oak. On the palate the wine is well-structured with solid
tannins and offers the zip of dried red fruit flavors and
minerals that build to a hot, lingering finish. It is a
great candidate for the cellar. While good now, in five
years, it promises to be exceptional. Score:
87 |
Provenance
Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Small berries produced a layered, highly structured wine.
When swirled in a glass, a cascade of aromas pour out with
black cherry, plum, and dark chocolate leading the way.
Notes of roast coffee, smoky oak, and vanilla follow. After
a sip, ripe dark berries and plum unfold into notes of chocolate,
mint, and creamy oak. The bold tannins linger on the dry,
cherry finish. Serve now with a Steak Au Poivre or an elegant
cheddar and save a bottle for the cellar, too.. Score:
89 |
Provenance,
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
An elegant light purple, this wine opens with a nose that
envelops you in scents of black cherries and other red fruits,
with hints of coffee and must floating around the fringes.
Medium to full bodied, the wine shows great balance with
supple tannins. Rich berry flavors surround notes of sour
cherry that build to a finish, which is quite dry and nicely
prolonged by lingering notes of "Rutherford Dust".
This wine would pair very nicely with a juicy steak right
now or would age quite nicely for the next five years. |
Quintessa
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Sourced from multiple Vineyard blocks, the fruit spent 18
months in medium toast French Oak. In a glass, bold aromas
of plum and black currents greet the senses, flowing into
the concentrated palate of black fruit, with vibrant accents
of cedar, coffee, chocolate, and sweet spice. Generous dusty
tannins provide a nice structure, which promises graceful
aging. Enjoy a bottle now, or cellar it for five years,
and see what awaits. Score:
90 |
Raymond
Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
After a mild spring and summer, the fruit was picked in
mid-October and aged 18 months on new French Oak. With a
fall release, date the wine is still a bit young, but the
nose is rich with layers. Floral notes, with a ripe cherry
and plum backing mingle with bold smoky accents and hints
of herbs and spice. Dried cherry and currants come to the
forefront of the palate, with hints of oak and spice passing
through on the way to a dusty finish. Classic Rutherford,
indeed. Score:
90 |
Riboli
Family Wine Estates 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Genuine Rutherford Cabernet blended with a splash of Petit
Verdot spent 24 months in French Oak. Allowed to open in
a glass, the wine reveals a layered bouquet of cherry, currents,
blackberry, and plum, with touches of oak, vanilla, and
coffee providing nice accents. Full-bodied with supple tannins,
this wine shows good promise for the cellar. Score:
87 |
Round
Pound Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
The estate grown fruit was farmed sustainably using traditional
old-world methods as well as modern innovations. The wine
is rich with cherry, blackberry, plum, sweet spice, and
pepper rising out of a freshly swirled glass. On the palate,
plum and sweet blueberry move into hints of green herbs,
clove, and cocoa. This is a nicely balanced wine with a
promising structure for aging. Score:
89 |
Round
Pond, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
The rich golden color of this 100% chardonnay estate grown
wine hints at its rich toasty vanilla aromas surrounded
by Meyers lemon zest, flint, and rose geranium. Flavored
with orchards of another era of Sonoma history, taste the
nectarine, lemon, papaya, sweet almond, and ripe pear that
gives way to a floral, lemon verbena finish with zesty acids
and a soft hint of English toffee. Pair a nice chilled bottle
of this oh so drinkable wine with your favorite summer salad
topped with left over salmon, or freshly skewered shrimp.
Eat light, feel refreshed, and have that second bottle handy
- you'll be wanting it. |
Rubicon
Estate 2006 Rubicon / Rutherford
100%
Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with a splash of Petit Verdot
and Cabernet Franc comprise the 2006 Rubicon, which was
aged in French Oak for 22 months. In a glass, its bouquet
is deep with layers of cherry, blackberry and currents flowing
into rich notes of chocolate, coffee, and a hint of tobacco.
A very nice structure and a nice jammy character make the
wine highly drinkable. Enjoy it now, or save it for the
cellar. Score:
90 |
Rubicon,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Optimal growing conditions lead to great color and fruit
intensity and vigilant attention from the winemaking team
have produced an outstanding wine of tremendous depth. Swirling
a glass releases luscious dark fruit aromas and alluring
hints of sweetness. Velvety tannins carry ripe blackberry
and raspberry flavors smoothly over the palate. The elegant
finish leaves rich, lingering notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
The best wine I've had this year! |
Rutherford
Grove, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Blended from two single vineyard lots of Rutherford Cabernet
Sauvignon and exclusively sourced Estate Merlot, this fine,
approachable wine offering a nose ripe with cherry and blackberry
aromas. Though the palate is packed with rich dark fruit
flavors, the wine is still nicely balanced, finishing soft
and dry, with a classic hint of Rutherford Dust. |
Sawyer
Cellars, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Here is a wine continuing the tradition of classic Rutherford
Cabernets. Opening with indulgent aromas of sweet blackberry,
cassis, and hints of spice, it unfolds gracefully on the
palate as bold flavors of dark berries and black currents
drift upon supple tannins. The elegant finish sets you down
with a soft hint of dust. Enjoy this Cabernet now, or let
it develop over the next ten years, and see what awaits. |
Scarecrow,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Prime growing conditions yielded a large crop of outstanding
quality. The result is a wine with a vibrant garnet hue,
busting with aromas of wild blackberry, cherry, violets,
and dark chocolate. A dynamic acidity and rich tannins,
give the wine bold character that hold up a palate bursting
with flavors of blackberry, currants, chocolate, and hints
of savory earth. A wine of great sophistication that can
be enjoyed now or cellared for promising development. |
Sculpterra
2005
Cabernet
Sauvignon / Paso Robles
Conditions in 2005 allowed for a long growing season and
great hang time. After aging in French and Hungarian Oak,
the resulting wine is elegant and soft with an excellent
classical structure. Given a chance to breathe in a glass,
scents of ripe cherry, currants, and raspberry give way
to softer notes of vanilla, chocolate, and a touch of oak.
On the palate, the layered berry flavors return, moving
into dried fruit flavors alongside dark chocolate, spice,
earthy truffles, and hints of smoke. Pair this with a rare
prime rib or a luscious dessert.
Score:
91 |
Sculpterra
2006 Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
This
full bodied cabernet sauvignon follows in the footsteps
of its 2005 sister, with its full bodied, rich tannin profile,
balanced with rich cherries, blackberries and hints of oak
and yes, eucalyptus, too. Well balanced by 12 months in
American oak barrels, this second vintage of Estate grown
Cabernet Sauvignon represents the continuation of the winemakerís
vision to produce complex and full bodied wines with attention
to every detail in the growing and nurturing stage of the
grapeís glorious life. Its final rich fruity flavor
with a well centered structure and strong peppery finish
makes it a perfect red to pair with your heartiest meals
this winter, whether it be game, lamb, stews or roasts. |
Sculpterra
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
A wonderful
aroma with a spicy nose and great legs, this estate grown
cabernet was handled with extreme care during the growing
stage to bring you a classic cabernet with an intense fruit
flavor with strong tannins. The resulting complex palate
with a balanced middle and peppery, tart spikes maintained
its balance with a strong finish that worked well when paired
with full flavored cheeses, steaks, pork and even salads.
This wine is drinkable now and will age well in the years
to come. |
Sequoia
Grove 2006 Rutherford Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon /
Rutherford
A blend of predominately Cabernet Sauvignon with the other
four Bordeaux varietals, it is unmistakably Rutherford.
Blackberry, burnt currant, and dark chocolate aromas rise
up from a glass with a lovely backdrop of dusty minerals.
The blackberry and currants return on the palate, with complicating
notes of vanilla, coffee, and cocoa. Rare grilled lamb or
juicy tri-tip would make excellent pairings.. Score:
88 |
Staglin
Family Vineyard 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Due for an October release, the 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
is accented with a touch of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and
Petit Verdot. The nose is pack with bright cherry and red
plum aromas, with hints of cedar, chocolate, and cassis.
Lush plum and currants flavors unfold into sweet cherry,
dark chocolate, and notes of sweet, smoky earth. A thick,
juicy rib eye would compliment a bottle very nicely. Score:
87 |
Staglin
Family Vineyard, Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Thanks to a delightfully temperate growing season, the Staglin
Family Vineyard Estate Cabernet Sauvignon entices drinkers
with a powerful bouquet of currants, plum, and black cherry,
mingling with hints of cedar and earth. The exceptionally
rich and full-bodied palate offers lush impressions of dark
cherry and cassis that drift upon creamy tannins. At its
finish, hints of plum and spice are left lingering. While
scrumptious now, there is great potential for cellaring,
so grab two bottles, and enjoy the best of both worlds. |
Sterling
Vintners Cabernet
Sauvignon Collection
1997
Cabernet Sauvignon Moon Mountain (Address: P.O. Box 500,
Rutherford, CA 94573 , 707-942-3300) Ruby red in the glass
with a floral nose of fruit, raspberry and a trace of oak.
Balanced with medium tannins and good flavor. Shows off
the varietal blends of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot,
5% Cabernet Franc. Food friendly. Drink now or hold. Retail:
12.99 |
Sullivan
Vineyards 2006 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon / Rutherford
Blended in the tradition of France with Cabernet 75% Cabernet
Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, the wine presents
with a rich, layered nose. Strawberry, cherry, and blueberry
move into notes of spice, clove, and smoky cedar. A soft
palate of ripe red berries with hints of orange peal, earth,
and pepper is balance by a nice acidity. Grill up some succulent
short-ribs, and enjoy a bottle. Score:
89 |
Sullivan
Vineyards, Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Cooler than average weather in the Napa Valley allowed for
a long ripening process and a late October harvest. The
result is a fine blend of Cabernet (90%) Petit Verdot (10%),
with a vibrant purple hue. A lively nose emanates from the
glass offering bold fragrances of spice, white pepper, and
herbs, along with cooler berry notes. A full, yet smooth
palate is packed with rich, ripe flavors of cherry and plum
that lingering long after a soothing finish. |
Tres
Sabores, Perspective Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Steaming from the rich Rutherford fruit that stretches for
two acres outside her front door, winemaker Julie Johnson
offers up a classic "perspective" on what Rutherford
Cabernet should be. The wine has a coaxing dark ruby hue.
It sits rich and silky on the palate with lush flavors of
black currants, blackberry, plum, and hints of vanilla.
Warm spices bring the wine to a finish. Only 200 cases were
produced, so grab an extra bottle if you can. |
Vina
Robles 2006 Huerhuero Cabernet Sauvignon
/ Paso Robles
All
the fruit was handpicked for this vintage to ensure premium
ripeness. The wine was then aged for 18 months in new French
and American oak. After such painstaking efforts, a lovely
rich wine emerges. Blended with 24% Petit Verdot, the wine
exudes rich aromas of blackberry, currants, black cherry,
and plum that move into notes of oak, sweet tobacco, and
clove. The currants, plum, and black cherry re-emerge on
the palate and close with hints of smoky oak at the finish.
This wine has the structure to stand up to any hearty beef
dish, so open a bottle and enjoy.
Score:
90
|
Zahtila
Vineyards Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard Georges
III
A vibrant bouquet of violets and roses give this wine a
nose that stands out from many cabernets. Ripe flavors of
black plums and cherries with subtle hints of tartness rise
out of the deep lavender hue and drift across the palate
supported by rich tannins. A long, lingering finish puts
a final exclamation on a fine wine. |
|
