Cabernet Sauvignon

Feb 032015
 
Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 93

Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon 2011With nearly every vintage I review, I state that Smith-Madrone Cabernet is one of the best Napa Cabs under $50. This wine is no exception. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry,raspberry and brown spice. Dry farmed estate fruit, high on Spring Mountain gives this wine a lush mouth-feel with present acidity and supple tannins. Well integrated flavors of  black cherry, plum, blackberry and tobacco box with a little blueberry with pepper spice. Intriguing espresso and dark chocolate on long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Nov 032014
 
Rarecat Cabernet Sauvignon Old Toll Hillside Vineyard 2010, Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA, $100 (S) – Rating 93

Rarecat Cabernet Sauvignon Old Toll Hillside Vineyard 2010A big Cabernet that needs to be decanted for a good 45 minutes to an hour to reach it’s full potential. Your patience will be rewarded. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, worn leather and spice with a tender hint of rose. A round mouth-feel with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Rich fruit flavors include black cherry, plum, blackberry, cocoa and dark spice. Spicy espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Oct 092014
 
Hawk & Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills 2010, Lake County, CA, $65 (S) – Rating 94

Hawk & Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills 2010100% Cabernet and Biodynamically farmed, this is a big Cabernet Sauvignon. A round mouth-feel with chewy tannins and balanced acidity. A nose of black cherry and blackberry with hints of raspberry and intriguing campfire smoke. On the palate, the wine offers flavors of black cherry and blackberry with subtle notes of ripe strawberry and cacao to add complexity. Espresso on the long finish. In the Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition, this wine took Best of Show for Red Wines; Best of Class for Cabernet Sauvignon and the Platinum medal! Buy This Wine

Jul 082014
 
Calla Lily Winery Ultimate Red Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $80 (S) – Rating 93

Calla Lily CabernetFrom an emerging Napa Valley winery with an experienced hand on the wheel in Cary Gott. An expressive nose of black cherry, blackberry, ripe plum, vanilla and black pepper. Lush on the palate, complete with silky tannins and balanced acidity. Give this youngster at least 30-60 minutes to fully open for flavors of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, oaky vanilla and plenty of spice. Intriguing notes of tobacco box on long finish.

Jul 082014
 
Amici Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 90

Amici Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010The cool 2010 growing season allowed for a more European style Cabernet, medium-bodied with juicy acidity. The aromas are rich with notes of blackberry, blueberry and dark spice. Integrated tannins create a pleasant mouth-feel offering flavors of blackberry, black fruit, plum, black cherry, dark chocolate and dark spice. Hints of espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine