95 + – Awe Inspiring Wine

Alpha Omega ERA 2011

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Feb 242015
 
Alpha Omega ERA 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $250 (S) – Rating 95

Alpha Omega Era 2011This is a Napa Cabernet that is certainly worthy of your attention. Past ERA vintages have been a red Brodeaux blend but the 2011 is 100% barrel fermented Cabernet from the following famed Napa Valley vineyards, Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville, Beckstoffer, Missouri Hopper in Yountville, Stagecoach on Atlas Peak and Lyons. A robust nose of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry and spice. A rather plush mouth-feel with dusty tannins and balanced acidity. The palate is treated to an integrated combination of flavors, including blueberry, black cherry, black fruit, a little briar, black pepper and dark spice with dark cacao on long finish. A spectacular wine. Buy This Wine (Available at tasting room only).

Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Feb 112014
 
2010 Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $130 (S) – Rating 97

Truly an extraordinary wine, the kind only a few select winegrowers can produce, even from the best Napa Valley fruit. The nose is robust with aromas of dark cherry pie with hints of campfire smoke and mocha. For full effect this big boy needs an hour or more to decant. A soft and luxurious mouth-feel, full-bodied with balanced tannins and enough acidity for pairing with a juicy porterhouse, but this wine, in my opinion, should be enjoyed all on it’s own. Bold flavors abound of black cherry, blueberry and chocolate/cacao with notes of black pepper and smoke. A bit of espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

MacPhail Family Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir

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Mar 282011
 
2007 Pratt Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA $49 (s) – Rating 95

James MacPhail of MacPhail Family Wines is a master of Pinot Noir and it shows in this wonderful wine. As it opens this Pinot offers something more with each sip. A silky and complex wine with supple tannins, it will hold your attention. Dark flavors of black cherry, cola and smoky saddle leather make this an utterly delicious wine. Other scores on this wine range from 90-96.

Rombauer Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mar 132011
 
2003 Rombauer Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA $90 – Rating 95

One of Rombauer’s small production (400 cases) single vineyard AVA Cabernets. Extremely approachable now and drinking beautifully after a short decant. This is a truly elegant, well balanced wine with a very supple and velvety tannin structure. Lot of dark fruit and berry flavors accented with a touch of toffee and hint of pepper. The wine paired very well with the roast we served. However,  it is big enough to command your attention by itself. Available only at the Rombauer Vineyards tasting room or online at Rombauer.com.

Rombauer Vineyards Joy

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Jan 052011
 
2006 Late Harvest Chardonnay Carneros, CA  $55 (.375) — Rating 95

I don’t know where to start. Joy is a beautifully sweet and rich dessert wine and a big hit on our holiday table. Rich flavors of honey and ripe apricot with a touch of orange and toffee make this a wine taste like a dream you don’t want to end.

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