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September 4, 2008
Breaking the chain of very high end Cabs/Cab Blends, MEDLOCK AMES "Bell Mountain Ranch" Alexander Valley 2004 ($26) is 57% Cab Sauv and 43% Merlot. My fondness for this wine was solidified last weekend when a couple chose it for a relaxing wine bar afternoon (remember, BEST DEAL IN TOWN is retail price for a bottle in our wine bar. Service fee: a taste.) Very expressive, pretty aromas of violets, cherry candy and asian spice. Rich, bright, juicy berry flavors in the mid palate. An ample yet silky finish completes. I had last tasted this wine in May. I think it's getting even better. Highly recommended "House Cab" for YOUR house.
April 28, 2008
Was almost two years ago when we first tasted this Cab. Dark, chewy and powerful, the 2003 CrauforD Cabernet Sauvignon "Tattoo-Maroon Vineyard" Napa Valley ($32) instantly found a spot on our racks and we pleased many of you with it. We sold it at the time with much enthusiasm and enjoyed many a great review from you, our customer. Imagine, then, our surprise and pleasure that we can offer it to you for as much as ten bucks less (with case discount). A fan of this wine upon release, we retasted it last week and pronounce it drinking better than ever. Dark and classic Cabernet berry, smoked chocolate, a whisp of vanilla bean, black truffle shavings, robust yet with silky, softening tannins. Uncork the bottle and enjoy immediately. We did! The "Maroon Vineyard" is in Pope Valley, a part of Napa Valley less-visited, beyond Howell Mountain, east and above Napa Valley proper. The best values in Napa Cabernets, we find, come from this area. If you know of a better Cabernet for under $40, even, we'd sure like to know about it. Case price, with 10% discount, is $345. Half case price, with 5% discount, is $183.
July 22, 2008
RAMIAN "Chapter 5" Napa Valley 2005 ($56) I've been a Ramian fan for a couple years, and the "Chapter 5" is my favorite wine yet from Owner/Winemaker Brian Graham. He never ceases to impress me with his powerful yet controlled style of winemaking. I've tried this wine two times, once just-opened and once opened-the-day-before, and digged it both times. Black currant, black cherry, dark tobacco, bittersweet chocolate, black olive, malt...it's another exemplary a Cab-based blend (91% Cab Sauv to be exact, with a dash of the other four Bordeaux grapes) that marries big Napa fruit with vinous complexity. 257 cases made.
June 20, 2008
Ramey "Larkmead Vineyard" 2005 MAGNUMS ($175). I was tasted "blind" on this wine last week and stopped in my tracks. It's so good! Black fruits (including good ol' black cherry), bittersweet chocolate, malt, black truffle, anise, tobacco, a velvet-smoothness. It's dynamite, and very ready to enjoy now.
August 15, 2008
I'm really liking the first "Big New Cab" of 2007, the Beau Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon "Reserve" Napa Valley 2004 ($85 net). The 2003 just received a nice review from Parker. I've had both, and I really like the 2004 right now. It's a seductress. It is just loaded with black, sweet mulberries and melted dark chocolate flavors. In the mouth, it's super-rich and velvety. The Napa Cabs I get most excited about have a finish that seemingly grows...the wine continues to expand after I've swallowed, and the flavor lasts a good 40 seconds. This is the case with the Beau Vigne. For super ripe, show offy, dynamite Napa Cab, this is my pick for you this month. This wine is made by Dave Phinney, the young man who also owns the Orin Swift label.
NOTES ON THE SAME WINE, SUMMER 2007:
BEAU VIGNE CABERNET SAUVIGNON "Reserve" Napa Valley 2004 ($85 net). Original Diary entry for Beau Vigne was on January 4 of this year. Since then, I've visited the vineyard (gorgeous, sitting high above the Valley floor) and the wine has settled down a bit. Made by Orin Swift Winery's Dave Phinney. This is rich black cherry liqueur, cassis, mulberry, vanilla bean, creamy, powerful and very supple for a wine of such concentration. It's a wonder that this wine is still available as we're used to Cab this good being heavily allocated and limited and all that business. Our luck!
May 13, 2008
GRASSO Cabernet Sauvignon "Olive Ridge Vineyard" Napa Valley 2005 ($45). From a 3.5 acre parcel on the outskirts of Napa-town comes this first release Cabernet. If you cringe when you hear "olive" and Cab in the same breath, please refrain. Black, spicy olive is in my tasting notes (tasting it as I write, in fact, now that it's been in the glass for an hour...needs air). Nose is black cherry, French roast coffee, forest floor, black currant and Indian spices. The flavor is rich blueberry, currant, dark earth, bittersweet chocolate, more coffee (Turkish, perhaps) and tobacco. This is well balanced and plenty structured. I estimate 2011 to be optimal drinking time. The wine is made my Jay Buoncristiani, who leaves fruit to hang before harvest as long as anybody I know. Was a late October harvest in 2005, Mr. Grasso reports. I like this Napa Cab a lot for finding the sweet spot between flashy and classic. 545 cases made.
July 9, 2008
T-VINE "T Red" Napa Valley 2005 ($45) is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Petite Sirah (the blend can change significantly vintage to vintage). Consistency is the name of the game at T-Vine. Always so good, juicy, strong and silky. "The most important quality factor on T-Vine wines to me is the texture. They are always hearty and still with a very silky mouthfeel" says Owner/Winemaker Greg Brown. (I paraphrase...I don't think Greg would ever use the phrase "quality factor." Hope he's cool with it.)
Burst of bing cherry and dark plum meat. Five spice and vannila bean frame the dense fruit. Robust and juicy with a satin mid palate and a long, luscious ending. It's just how Greg wants it, and how you like it. 545 cases.
March 17, 2008
Behrens & Hitchcock is now named Erna Schein. Erna was Les Behrens Mom. Les and wife Lisa own the winery. On the front label of most Erna Schein wines is a drawing of Erna's Kitchen Aid mixer in which, Les reports, she made amazing cake batter. Mom making cake-it's this image of hospitality that fuels the winery's spirit. There's no change in style nor quality from Behrens & Hitchcock. The same vineyards are sourced, Les still makes the wines.
ERNA SCHEIN Cabernet Sauvignon "Herrick Moulds" Napa Valley 2005 ($65)
This is good Cabernet. Really good! Lots of dark, juicy plums and red cherries, allspice, star anise, cardamon, tobacco, roast chestnuts, mint. Pretty special wine we think. Sappy, big fruits and surprisingly, pleasingly smooth ending. This comes from "Herrick Vineyard" on Howell Mountain and "Moulds Vineyard" in Napa's Oak Knoll District.
June 20, 2008 
Orin Swift Cabernet Sauvignon "Mercury Head" Napa Valley 2005 ($75 net). We tasted this 2005 last week and, without question, is our favorite Mercury Head Cab since the 2002. It's powerful, beautiful and has more definition than the past two vintages. Think Linda Hamilton in Terminator 2. Beyond fruit and oak, you can taste Napa Valley earth in here! A mineral note with bittersweet chocolate and grilled red meat linger through this wine. I think this will age very nicely, and accolades will follow after it's sold out. The picture here is the real mercury head dime that owner Dave Phinney sources each vintage and affixed to every bottle.
ERNA SCHEIN "Behrens Family Reserve" Napa Valley 2005 ($75)
This 31% Cab Sauv, 25% Merlot, 25% Franc and 19% Petite Verdot. It's mostly David Abreu-owned and farmed vineyards in St. Helena and on Howell Mountain (some Calistoga and Oak Knoll fruit as well). This seamless, opulent, chewy, harmonious red will impress you with its largess and seduce you with its subtlety (like that?). Get cassis, dark fig, cassis, root beer, vanilla, violets and of course deep rich berry/cherry.
BRIDESMAID Red Wine, Napa Valley 2005 blends Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and a little Syrah. The label is co-owned and co-made by Drew Neiman (Neiman Cellars) and Pam Starr (Crocker & Starr). This fruit-forward, medium-bodied, slightly spicy red reminds me of cherries jubilee but dry. The Cab comes through on the mid palate with the Syrah-game peaking around the corner. Merlot gives a more silky mouthfeel. It's very easy to drink while being very juicy and "Napa style." It's very easy to drink and drink.
October 11, 2007
WHITE ROCK Claret Napa Valley 2002 ($40). All Estate fruit from the base of Atlas Peak. Henri and Claire
Vandendriessche bought and planted this lovely little nook of Napa Valley in the late 70s and have made wonderfully classy wines from here since. Their son Christopher has made the wines since 1999. The wines are consistently good, well balanced, show nice layers of flavors and age gracefully.
Always a Bordeaux-style blend, the 2002 blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 13% Cab Franc and 4% Petite Verdot. The precocious 2002 vintage gives White Rock Claret more forward fruit than usual, with black cherry preserves and cassis making my notes. A sense of Bordeaux still comes through with a little truffle, tobacco, black olive and curry spice flavor. This is lovely wine-big but not too big. 1100 cases.
July 14, 2007
EGELHOFF Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($75) just arrived. I know I live in wine country when Bob Egelhoff pours it for us then delivers the wine too. This mountain Cab by the man who makes mountain Cab as well as anyone drinks surprisingly well right now. Fruit comes from Axios Vineyard on Howell Mountain and another vineyard that is almost Howell Mountain, up in the same neighborhood. I'm familiar with Bob's Cabs back to the 2001 vintage, and this is my favorite since the 2001. This captures the great concentration of the grape from nose to finish. Black cherry, currant and boysenberry. Mocha, vanilla, toast and allspice. Good structure but not at all tannic. This tiny production, super premium Cabernet is a big time recommendation.
June 7, 2007
We're pretty stoked to be one of the few merchants to carry VERSANT VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($85 net). Versant sits high on Pritchard Hill, above Chapellet & Bryant Family and next to Cloud View. They sell some of their grapes to Lewis and Chapellet. Only 350 cases of Versant are made. Robbie Meyer, also of Lewis Cellars, makes the wine.
Grand mountain character here. Spice, bold & dark berry/cherry, dark chocolate, minerality, big bones. 100% new French oak works with the big, slightly rugged, very concentrated Cabernet. A little tightly wound-suggest to drink from 2010 to 2020. However, if you have to drink it sooner, decant for an hour and you'll be very pleased.
April 7, 2007
Dined at Ad Hoc the other night, and brought a bottle of BEHRENS & HITCHCOCK "The Contender" Napa Valley 2003 ($65). This is all Bordeaux varieties, about 3/4 of which is Cabernet Sauvignon. My dining partners this night will drink big Napa reds with their salad course even, so I brought this wine to start the evening. Good move on my part, for its medium weight, "pretty" aromas, and evolution in the glass would have been lost amongst its prize-fighting successors (2004 Buccella and 2003 Kabscandy). I like this wine a lot. Rich fruit, excellent delineation, food friendly acidity and highly potent in typical Napa Cab fashion here. Also, the artsy label alone is worth twenty dollars.
April 5, 2006
Not a tiny production (but not a huge production by any stretch), Dominus "Napanook" Napa Valley 2002, $45/bottle, is just too good a wine, and too good a value, to pass up. So, I brought in five cases. This is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon then the other four grapes of Bordeaux. Smoke, licorice, hung beef and cigar box permeate this even-still fruit-driven big red. I've read notes saying this Napanook begs time in the cellar, but I don't know. It's pretty darn good today.
December 19, 2007
It's fun to taste the wine as I write the diary. Like right now, tasting the KEEVER VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon Yountville, Napa Valley 2005 ($68) as I compose. First the facts: this hillside Estate vineyard rests in the western hills above Yountville. 100% Cab, 886 cases made. The wine: impression from the outset is "needs time!" as the strong new French oak, briar and earth notes play the fore on the nose. With air, out comes framboise, cocoa, black tea and black currants. In the mouth, taste black raspberry, Bing cherry, blueberry, pencil lead, French roast coffee. Loads of tannins in this youthful Cab, so red meat and blue cheese is in order if you're going to imbibe soon. Best, I'm guessing, in 2014 (as good a guess an any).
June 18, 2005
DETERT FAMILY Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley 2005 ($75 net). This family vineyard behind Robert Mondavi winery produces spectacular Cabernet (and Cabernet Franc too by the way) every year. A scant 150 cases made this vintage, made by Tom Garrett, the assistant to Heidi Barrett at Revana. Black fruits, dark earth, smoky oak, deep curry notes, chocolate, smooth. Always goes fast here, for good reason.
February 12, 2008 (Return Engagement)
I'm beginning to think that 2004 was particularly successful on Mount Veeder as we've had more stellar Cabs from here than in the past. The latest, SAGE VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2004 ($65). First release for this 450 case production dandy. Made by Robby Meyer, who's becoming the next big thing in Napa winemakers (he's made wine for Lewis Cellars and Versant). We knew we'd grabbed a tiger by the tail when we tasted it last week. Dark fruits, sweet earth, little chocolate thing going on, brooding, big structure (tannins!), chewy. This is 88% Cab Sauv with the rest a mix of Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot. We're fired up to get you Cab lovers turned onto the Sage.
October 28, 2007
BLUE ROCK Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2004 ($47). We've yet to miss a vintage of Blue Rock, what we find is consistently the best Cabernet Sauvignon coming from Alexander Valley in northeastern Sonoma County. This vineyard, sparkled with blue, obsidian rock, is owned and meticulously maintained by Blue Rock. There's love put into the final wine from vineyard to bottle. This is not your blockbuster style of Cabernet. Sweet blueberry and black cherry mix in with sweet tobacco, allspice, violets, vanilla bean and French roast coffee. We recommend cellaring the 2004 Blue Rock Cab not because it's particularly tannic, but because it has yet to blossom. Give it until 2009 (not too long) to stretch and enrichen.
ERNA SCHEIN Cabernet Sauvignon "Spare Me" Napa Valley 2005 ($45)
12% each Merlot and Cab Franc give "Spare Me" more layers and rounder edges than most Cabs from Owners Les Behrens and Lisa Drinkward. I find especially good complexity in this "value Cab" from Erna Schein: blueberry liqueur, Morrocan spices, tobacco, grilled ribeye, cherry jam, fine lift of acidity.
March 18, 2008
Showing Cabernet doesn't have to be huge to be really good, we offer you the
TRE RICCI Cabernet Sauvignon "Ricci Vineyards" Sonoma County 2005 ($29). This family vineyard in Dry Creek Valley has previously sold all their fruit to Arrowood Winery until 2005, when they made just 250 cases of tasty red. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is just plain tasty. Red fruits, soy sauce, tobacco, pie spices and a little black truffle in there. This is approachable and smooth like a very good Merlot. Being a bright, forward, red-fruit style, the Tre Ricci Cabernet is particularly versatile with food. Again, think good Merlot and have with white meats and salmon as well as the good ol' New York strip steak.
November 16, 2007
CARAVINA Cabernet Sauvignon "Seavey Vineyard" Napa Valley 2004 ($45) Second label for Seavey Vineyard, the Conn Valley Estate Cab producer made for years by Philippe Melka. (In 2004, Philippe turned from Winemaker to consultant for Seavey.) Considering the vintage, the location of the vineyard and the fact that this is second label wine, I'm surprised by the Caravina's structure and time needed to open up. The wine really blossomed the day after we opened it. (Thereby labeling it a "Chili Wine.") Brambly berries, mint, young leather, allspice and cocoa flavors join together in the big Bordeaux style Cab. Lots of tannins! Pop the bottle and have a slug and you'll wonder about this wine. Air it out big-time and you'll get all the goods and be very pleased. It's a whole lotta wine for the price.
May 7, 2008
Always a crowd-pleaser, and often requested, we finally jumped on the Lewis Cellars train. Give the LEWIS CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($85) a try. It's delicious.
We tasted this at the same time as their $125 "Reserve" Cab, and this non-Reserve we found equally if not more delicious (maybe it's just more ready-to-drink). Lewis sources fruit from the Valley floor (Oakville & Rutherford) and Pritchard Hill. They use both French and American oak, about 70% new. It's been a while since we tasted through the Lewis wines, and we were pleased to taste balance in this powerful, rich, heady Cab. It's all black fruits, espresso, mocha, chocolate, vanilla bean, black olive and pipe tobacco. Supple and smooth, this Cab is drinking great now.
November 10, 2007
Here comes the new vintage of O'SHAUGHNESSY Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2004 ($75). We find O'Shaughnessy to be as consistently stellar a Cabernet house as anybody in our lovely valley. Howell Mountain estate vineyard, made by Sean Capiaux, a talented, passionate winemaker. Their 2004 Cab starts with a whiff of truffle/sweet earth, dust. Then it evolves into blueberry essence, tobacco, vanillin, lavender and nutmeg. First thought of mine when tasted was a simple "delicious." It's quite silky-surprisingly so for a young Howell Mountain Cabernet. Rich, sweet berries abound. The precocious 2004 Napa Cab vintage shows itself in the O'Shaughnessy. This is good.
January 8, 2008
Two new Napa Cabs in the shop.
Both of these are "no brainers" for lovers of such:
STEWART Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($62). Made by Paul Hobbs. Over 2/3 "Stagecoach" fruit (top of Atlas Peak) and rest is mid-Napa Valley floor. This is very sexy, voluptuous Cabernet with "a finish that tastes like cassis infused with melted black chocolate" says R.P.
An old friend, the PRIDE MOUNTAIN Cabernet Sauvignon Napa/Sonoma 2005 ($66) is as good as they've ever made. It's Napa AND Sonoma since the vineyards and winery straddle the county line. Soft, pliant, luscious, black, sweet sensations, very juicy and just an awesome-drinking Cabernet that can be enjoyed anytime.
May 15, 2007
MEANDER Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($65/bottle) just found its way to our wine racks. Not only is the label to drink, it's one to watch climb in notoriety. (And remember you read it here first!) Owner/Winemaker Amy Aiken (who still works at Miner Family as well) buys some of Napa's best fruit from "Morisoli" and "Lewelling" vineyards, mid-Valley, for her 365 case production Cab. Second release, and we championed her first as well. The 2004 Meander is chock-full of sweet, finger staining berries. The truffle, cedar, tobacco trifecta make for complete, delish Cabernet with exceptional character. We're happy to have it here.
September 22, 2007
Pleased to see a Cab not $50 or more on this page? I am. OBSIDIAN RIDGE Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills, Lake County 2005 ($29) is an old friend of Back Room. We loved and sold the previous two vintages with glee. This 2005 is more of the same. What's the same you ask? Well, smoky dark cherry mingling with dark mocha and vanilla bean. Pick up a little tobacco/truffle, allspice and some fine, toothsome tannins and you have an excellent Cabernet. "Obsidian Ridge Vineyard" is hillside, fairly high elevation, big flavored Cab country that's no longer a secret as far as fine wine country is concerned. We always get big dark fruit flavors and great structure from this wine. It's just a natural for making fine Cabernet, and the price is great for the quality.
November 25, 2007
DAVID ARTHUR "Meritaggio" Napa Valley 2005 ($55). It's a real treat to have a steady-enough supply of David Arthur to offer it through the holidays!Makers of big, powerful, and pleasantly "over the top" reds, we think "Meritaggio" is as good as their Cab…and it's less money and more available.
This Pritchard Hill Estate blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Sangiovese (thus the name), 18% Cab Franc, 2% Petite Verdot & Merlot. It's one luscious, dense, dark chocolatey fruit, low-acid, supple, powerful Cab Sauv-based red. It's not shy on oak, which is well-integrated into the wine. "Plenty of fruit for the barrel" we like to say. Big Cab drinkers (who most enjoy the modern style) will all enjoy imbibing in this one.
January 2, 2008
KELLY FLEMING Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($85). Kelly's vineyard is in choice Cabernet territory: benchland territory near Calistoga and neighboring "Eisele," "Kenefick," "Frediani" and others. The third vintage for Kelly Fleming, this is the first that we've carried. It's 100% Cab Sauv, aged in 80% new French oak and only 500 cases made by Celia Masyczek. Grapes are grown organically and tended by Jim Barbour. Yes, quite the team to make this special wine.
Left with half a bottle to taste over time, I loved the bigness and complexity. More black fruit driven for sure, but with a hint of briary red fruits to add dimension. Nice notes of cedar and Asian spice here. I like the explosion of wild, very ripe yet bright berry/cherry in here, especially after 45 minutes of air. This super-premium Cabernet is very good now with decanting and I think best come 2012.
August 17, 2007
We just tasted, ordered on pre-sell, and will have in September the ROBERT CRAIG Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2004 ($72). This is the most impressive Robert Craig wine we've had in a long time. Considering how long they've been making really good wine, that's saying a lot. Dark berry, bittersweet chocolate, woodsmoke, pencil lead, black currant jelly, the tannins of Howell Mountain yet integrated and drinkable now, provided you enjoy a young Napa Cab, and you have a decanter. But frankly, it belongs in the wine cellar until 2012 at least. 450 cases made.
January 16, 2008
Behrens & Hitchcock is now named Erna Schein. Erna was Les Behrens Mom. Les and wife Lisa own the winery. On the front label of most Erna Schein wines is a drawing of Erna's Kitchen Aid mixer in which, Les reports, she made amazing cake batter. Mom making cake-it's this image of hospitality that fuels the winery's spirit. There's no change in style nor quality from Behrens & Hitchcock. The same vineyards are sourced, Les still makes the wines.
ERNA SCHEIN Cabernet Sauvignon "Cemetery" Napa Valley 2005 ($75) is a brooding red wine (as suggested by its label...NOT the Kitchenaid). Deep berry/currant flavors are buttressed by underlying acidity to make one think a little of Bordeaux. 17% Merlot and 8% Petite Verdot gives the complexity of the old world, too. I give "Cemetery" high marks for complexity for a big Napa Cab. Dark, spicy chocolate, leather, espresso and cedar flavors play a strong part in this wine. This is not a wine for everybody...rather for lovers of Old World-Meets-New World style of big reds. That written, don't feel cheated for ripeness as it's 15.2% alcohol.
March 10, 2007
Want to make sure due props are given to SOJOURN Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 2004 ($42). If you bought the 2002 Sojourn Cabernet from us, this is a worthy follow up. If you did not have the 2002, then all you need to know is that this Cab is DELISH! This wine combines chewy hillside with lush Valley floor fruit to make a complete, complex, hearty, drink-me-now red. This is micro-winemaking in its purest form. A scant 300 cases made, and BRW is proud to be one of the very few retailers to sell it.
June 26, 2007
It's the return of MARSHALL CELLARS "JULIET PEERY-BECKSTOFFER RESERVE" Napa Valley 2002 ($55). This is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from "Tokalon Vineyard" in Oakville, with Coombsville fruit finishing it off. It’s delicious! Fruit forward (black cherries, mulberries and such) with the perfect frame of vanilla and chocolate creme brulée...not too much. This is probably the best wine we've ever featured in the shop that, for some odd reason, continues to be available. It's good enough to be allocated and quickly sold out. I know it sounds too self-serving to state "take advantage and buy lots from me," but it's true. You would not be disappointed with a case (at 10% off).
April 24, 2007
Wish we could lift you up and place you down on the Quixote Winery in Stag's Leap. Whimsical still practical design (and very good wines) make for a great visit. Next time you're visiting and tasting in Napa, I suggest you call Quixote and pay a visit. Thus the lead-in to PANZA Claret "Stags' Leap Ranch" Napa Valley 2004 ($40). The side kick to the Quixote Petite Sirah, Panza is all Estate, mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Lots of good things to write about this wine. Deeply fruity, exceptionally complex, makes you stop and ponder all the delightful flavors here, delicious. Dark berry/cherry, tobacco, beef jerky, cola, toast flavors. Persistent, strong mouthfeel with healthy tannins, very much in check. At this time, Back Room Wines is the only place you can buy this wine (other than the winery).
December 1, 2006
WORTHY "SOPHIA'S CUVEE" NAPA VALLEY 2004 ($31/btl., Half bottles: $19). Blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon then in decreasing percentages Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petite Verdot. The owner is practices perfect stealth as to grape sources, winemaking and such beyond this. Popped a bottle yesterday, and it's really good. Real tannic, too. It's the most tannic Worthy in my now four vintage history with this wine. Real good tannins to be sure, for the fruit is dense, rich and jump-from-the-glass good. Sweet, toasty oak plays solid support. Those who enjoy big, youthful reds will enjoy this now, especially after an hour or so of air to lessen the bite. I think it'll blossom in about a year. Should receive nice reviews from more than just BRW.
February 5, 2007
Following the popular 2003 vintage is Sequum Cabernet Sauvignon "Four Soil Melange" Napa Valley 2004 ($55/bottle). Owner/Winemaker Paul Skinner sources Cab grapes from four Napa vineyards, each with a unique soil make up - thus the "Four Soil Melange." Once again, it's very extracted, spicy, exotic and strong. The nose, like the 2003, is bittersweet chocolate, truffle, woodsmoke and wild black berries and cherries. The difference between vintages is revealed in the mouth. The 2004 Sequum is not ready yet. It's clumsy and disjointed to us. We didn't have the pleasure, but I bet the wine is tons better if open for a day. I recommend letting it rest in the cellar through 2007 and you'll be well rewarded.
January 16, 2007
I featured Bridesmaid Red Wine Napa Valley 2004 ($40) in the Holiday Newsletter, but honestly, my heart wasn't in it. My only taste had been in November, too soon after bottling. I could tell it was going to taste great, but I did not experience it. It was tight and awkard. Now, mid January, I drank it again, and now it's ready.
Bridesmaid Red 2004 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and (just a little) Syrah. Fans of the 2003 Bridesmaid know that was all Cabernet, and is really good. I enthusiastically recommend the 2004 Bridesmaid red blend to lovers of the 2003 Cab.
Very dark, sweet, concentrated berry borders on liqueur-ish but not quite. Its very dark color portends the deep, rich, concentrated flavor. Mulberry, black licorice, cola, nutmeg, black cherry. This wine will continue to evolve and open through 2007.
October 12, 2007
CIMAROSSA Cabernet Sauvignon "Riva di Ponente Vineyard" Howell Mountain, Napa Valley 2004 ($75 net) is a mouthful to say. Right in line with the wine, for it's one heckuva mouthful. Cimarossa is Italian for red dirt, typical of high Howell Mountain soil, and the look of of this vineyard. Those familiar with the best Napa Cabs will appreciate the neighbor-O'Shaugnessy. Sean Capiaux of O'Shaughnessy (and his own label Capiaux) makes the 215 cases in this vintage. Just tried it this afternoon, and wowza (my notes really do say wowza). Howell Mountain spice in the nose and flavor, but not the strong earth nor chalkiness here. Loads of tannins, but there is so much sweet fruit that one could drink it now and enjoy should one choose. Oak is nicely integrated. Killer Cab here that puts the better known Cabs at the same price to shame.
October 5, 2007
BEHRENS & HITCHCOCK "Kenefick Ranch Cuvée" Napa Valley 2005 ($75) is the last vintage of this really good Cab Sauv-based blend from B&H. The blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot,
4% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. "Kenefick" is in north Napa Valley, just outside the town of Calistoga, where the vineyards soak in the greatest heat in Napa Valley. All the great, modern Napa red wine descriptors apply here: creamy, sweet black fruits, toasty oak, violets, chocolate, luscious. This is powerful, rich, very well endowed red wine. Only 314 cases made.
November 19, 2007
CLIFF LEDE Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley 2005 ($54). With the 2005 vintage now out, there's no doubt Cliff Lede is a "player" in the game of making the finest Napa Cabernet. Mr. Lede's winemaking team (Dave Abreu on the vines, Michelle Edwards in the cellar) made the '05s start to finish, and the wines have jumped from really good in '04 to now sensational. Sourced from Estate vines around the winery and hillside vineyards overlooking the Silverado Trail. 85% Cab Sauv, 13% Merlot then Petite Verdot and Malbec to finish. 70% new French oak. Powerful, luscious and hedonistic, the Cliff Lede Cab is one to enjoy anytime. It's supple, creamy feel in the mouth is really a Napa Cab lovers' dream…at least the Cab lovers who shop with us most of the time!
September 6, 2007
RAMIAN "Chapter 4" Mount Veeder, Napa Valley 2004 ($49). Another stellar Mount Veeder wine from 2004 (note the Sage Cabernet below). Ramian Winery has been flying under the radar, as it were, since its inception. From our perspective, Owner/Winemaker Brian Graham is doing everything right. He's making rich, well balanced wines, the bottle looks great, and the price is very fair for the quality of wine. "Chapter 4" is his fourth vintage of this Bordeaux-style blend. It's 70% Cab Sauv, 22% Merlot, 5% Franc and Malbec & Petite Verdot finish it up. Schooling and training in Bordeaux inspired Brian to make this "Left Bank" style of Napa red. I'd call this Left Bank style in a particulary good vintage! This very concentrated, dark fruit-driven, spicy, complex, age-worthy red drinks great now with a half hour's decanting. Who knows if this wine will ever get the accolades it deserves. 500 cases made.
August 30, 2007
From the no-brainer department comes RAMEY Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005 ($51). Just released and tasted, this is really dark and delicious Cabernet that I bet fetches a 91 or 92 points from Parker. A lot of this Cabernet comes from vineyards for whom David Ramey sources for other bottlings or makes wine. ("Snowden" and "Larkmead" to be exact). Well integrated sweet toasty oak on the nose, black cherry and cassis flavor along with five spice and mocha. Creamy, long, luscious, expansive finish that you're hoping for to seal the deal. There's a good amount of this Cab out there (6000 cases made more or less) which is a good thing. It'll all be sold and enjoyed in no time, I imagine.
August 4, 2006
This is the most excited I've been about a local Cabernet since Buccella 2002. Hidden Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 2003 ($75 net). The particulars: Vineyard on Spring Mountain in Sonoma County (they call it "west of Spring Mountain", but for all intents and purposes it is). Planted by the owner in the mid 90's. Wine is made by Marco Di Giulio, who says about Hidden Ridge, "A vineyard so steep, so well developed, so interesting in its planning scheme and with so much vision behind it that I could not help but be blown away." 100% Cab, 80% new French Oak, 980 cases made, 15.2% alcohol. Tasting notes: WOW. Black cherry liqueur, melted chocolate, expands in the mouth, massive tannins yet in balance with the concentration of the wine. The tannins say mountainous, but the deep berry flavors say Valley floor. Well, really they say great vineyard work that makes awesomely concentrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Readers who seek this style...YOU MUST HAVE THIS WINE!!!
September 12, 2007
ANOMALY Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2004 ($75) is a luscious, juicy, well-proportioned Estate Vineyard Cabernet from St. Helena, at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. We've had and liked previous vintages of Anomaly. This is the first Anomaly we LOVE. It's the only wine they make, so all their love is put into this Cab. Great concentration, lots of berry, and Asian spice aromas, silky/creamy mouthfeel. This youthful Cab is a joy to drink now, and worthy of cellaring for five to ten years. This is forward, juicy, complex and deliciously intriguing. About 950 cases made.
October 30, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
CLIFF LEDE Claret, “Stag’s Leap District” Napa Valley 2005 ($34) is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Nicely concentrated and quite rich, there is a sweet core of currant, black cherry, and mulberry fruit. The palate is rounded out with earth, smoke, cigar wrapper, mocha and vanilla. This is a particularly good value for great Napa Cabernet.
May 1, 2007
Happy May Day. We're one of the few wine shops to carry the wines of DETERT FAMILY. This tiny producer makes Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from their family vineyard on the Oakville Grade (the vineyard's just before you start going up the hill...benchland vineyard, if you will.) I can't say enough about these wines. Great concentration, complexity, bigness, ability to age, and one of the best labels too. (We think so, what do you think?) The DETERT FAMILY Cabernet Franc Oakville, Napa Valley 2004 ($50 net) is outstanding. Concentrated, dark fruits, melted chocolate, sweet/spicy oak, vanilla bean. 10% Cabernet Sauvignon in the Franc gives added girth, as if it needed it. Very good structure, so either decant before drinking or age for at least 18 months. 230 cases made.
June 30, 2007
Following the delicious 2003, the RENTERIA Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley 2004 ($48 net) follows admirably in its footsteps. If you bought the 2003 from us and loved it, I must say that the 2004 is very similar in style and quality. If you didn't try the 2003, let me tell you: This is jammy black cherry, big smooch of sweet oak (not too much for the wine), creme de cassis, sweet spice, powerful, very supple, and teeth staining color. Made by Karen Culler, and still we haven't found a wine she's made that we DON'T like a lot. 260 cases made.
April 27, 2007 (By Ryan Graham)
We just finished tasting with Stuart Goldie, the owner/winemaker for Trueblood Wines. We are pleased to be able to offer you the TRUEBLOOD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2002 ($39). Stuart and his wife Hope Trueblood met while learning about wine at Davis, and have worked for some of the biggest names in the wine industry since. Trueblood is their collabrative effort to make super-small production Cabernet and Syrah. This Cabernet is all sourced from the warm Coombsville area in southern Napa. The wine was aged for 30 months in 50% new French oak barrels. It is dark and fruity, with a nice sweet core, plums, cassis, and graphite. 240 cases were produced.
April 29, 2007
Naturally, I have nothing against selling $100+ bottles of wine, but GEEZ that's a lot of dough for a bottle of wine. I read through one of my fellow Napa wine merchant's catalog this weekend, and was stunned at how many $100-$200 bottles were featured. Makes me wonder if this is the direction of the Napa Cab industry.
I'm always hunting for the exceptional $50ish and less Napa Cabernet, and I bet many of you had enjoyed these from good ol' BRW (Crauford, Neal Family, T-Vine,
Meyer, Sojourn...) and here's the latest, the next vintage of FOUNTAINHEAD Cabernet Sauvignon "Morisoli-Borges" Rutherford, Napa Valley 2004 ($45 net). It's the third vintage of Fountainhead Cab that I've tasted, liked, and sold. I really think this 2004 is the richest, most luscious Fountainhead yet. Mmmm, mmmm, the sweet black cherries and sweet toasty oak work make for a can't-help-but-love-it style of Napa Cab. Co-owned and made by Jason Fisher, who makes Cosentino wines, Hoopes Cabernet and formerly worked under Heidi Barrett at Paradigm. Production is down for Fountainhead-only 150 cases made of the 2004.
July 31, 2007
We really enjoyed the FAUST CABERNET SAUVIGNON Napa Valley 2004 ($53) last week. This is Quintessa winery's Cabernet Sauvignon (75% Cab Sauv, in fact. 20% Merlot and 5% combined Cab Franc, Malbec and Petite Verdot). Honest: I like this wine better than any Quintessa I've ever had, which is a few. The "bigness" of Cab Sauv comes through: dark fruits, currant, cocoa, espresso and the structure (the bite) of Cab. Boasts a strong entry with rich sensations coming through immediately. Drink up, for the Faust is made in a most pleasing "drink me now" style.
June 1, 2007
Tasted and brought in JAYSON Red Wine Napa Valley 2004 ($55) today. 60% Merlot, 38% Cab Sauv and 1% each Cab Franc and Petite Verdot. Must say, I really like this wine. Big and rich, sure, but also nicely complex with food-friendly acidity. Requisite big Napa red fruit profile. Complementary flavors go from cinnamon & clove to truffle and cigar wrapper to hung meat and chocolate malt. Can certainly recommend drinking this now (with big flavored foods...I think lamb shanks would be pretty good). Could cellar indefinitely, as well.
September 25, 2007
Not many shops get the opportunity to taste and sell COUP DE FOUDRE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2005 ($115 net). We have it. Not a lot, but it's here now, waiting for you. Owner John Schwartz, restauranteur, lover of wine and life, and real sharp dude came in and poured us his wines last week. The Coup de Foudre (a French colloquialism for a love that "strikes a bolt of lightning to the heart") is a Heidi Barrett-made wine sourced from Stag's Leap District. Napa Cab's depth and soul capture the palate. Sweet, luxurious oak and seamless rich berry, cocoa, tobacco and five spice play off each other well. 5% Syrah from Barrett's Santa Ynez vineyard makes for more spice and a little wildness. For a young Cabernet, this is very much drinkable and enjoyable now. 500 cases made.
March 8, 2007
We just opened a bottle of NEAL FAMILY VINEYARDS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($45 net). We have a good thing going with Neal Family. They're distribution is quite small, they like to sell to us, the wines are always very good, and you like to buy and drink them. What a great relationship!!! The 2004 Neal is, like the 2003, big on the fruit, well structured yet drinking well now, high glycerine, fairly low acid, appropriately oaky and just slam-dunk good. This wine combines grapes from Coombsville to Howell Mountain. Maybe six distinct regions of Napa included? I lose count at five.
February 20, 2007
I tasted the KOBALT Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($90 net) with Owner/Winemaker Kevin Carriker. This is YOWZA Cabernet to be sure. Dark, super-extracted fruits, heavy sweet oak influence (aged in all new French oak) mineral notes, dark chocolate, creamy and dreamy. This is the style (many of) you love and want. 380 cases made. Limiting orders to 4 bottles max.
May 4, 2007
JERICHO CANYON Red Wine, Napa Valley 2004 ($75/bottle) is big "Estate" Bordeaux style blend made for the Jericho Canyon Vineyard owners by David Ramey. Blend is 85-90% Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc making up the rest. No surprises here-this is very extracted, black, rich red wine with supple, palate-coating tannins and sweet, sexy oak. Typical of the 2004 vintage in these parts for such a wine (in my opinion, for what I've tasted) this is very up front, pleasurable in its youth, and tastes its biggest and richest from beginning to back palate. Finish is well structured but not particularly tannic. This is killer, show-offy Napa Cab on par with anything out there.
May 17, 2007
Always championing the super unknown, high quality local wines, J. MOSS Cabernet Sauvignon "Spicer Vineyard" Stags Leap District, Napa Valley 2002 ($39) discovered us just this week. Owner/Winemaker James Moss makes tiny lots of Napa Cab (only 200 cases of this wine were made, for example). Of his current releases, we liked this 2002 Cab the most. "Spicer Vineyard" neighbors Silverado Vineyards, with the great vineyards of Shafer, Pillar Rock and Cliff Lede not far away. The nose here has a Bordeaux-ish truffle, cigar, pie spice note. Napa Cab comes through in the flavor: black cherry, red currant, pomegranate, toasted cinnamon toast and cocoa all mingle and make for a complete Cab. Good acidity, medium bodied and a very satisfying dinner companion here. Milder red meats, like beef filet and lamb loin, fit the bill here.
September 1, 2006
BARLOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($45) is just released. The Smith family consistently produces very rich red wines that can be consumed upon release with no reservations. As always, this is 100% varietal, and the Cab is always aged in all French oak. Deep, smoky black and blueberries, vanilla bean, malt, cocoa and tobacco come to mind here. Juicy, full-flavored and substantial, yet not tannic. Barlow will always at least satisfy, and I expect will be one of your faves.
May 1, 2007
DETERT FAMILY Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, Napa Valley 2004 ($60 net) definitely needs some cellar time. Not the most tannic Cab you'll ever have, but there's certainly a bite there. Best from 2009-2015 we're thinking. Nose is exotic: black and red plums, black cherry (of course), Asian spices, tobacco, bay leaf. The flavor is rich, complex and powerful. Note the comment to cellar above here. This is rare, special Cab.
March 16, 2007
Two new Cabernets, 2004 vintages, from Tor Kenward, one of Napa Valley's best "boutique" Cabernet producers (we feel). TOR KENWARD Cabernet Sauvignon "Mast Vineyard" Yountville, Napa Valley 2004 ($75) is a real extrovert. The dark, rich berry/cherry speaks loudly and still with eloquence. There's a sweet floral note in the wine that needs coaxing to come out. My greatest impression when I tasted this wine was simply "wow, that's really delicioius" and that was that. 250 cases made.
I spent more time with the TOR KENWARD "ROCK" Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($75) as Tor Kenward left me with a healthy glass to sample over the course of the day. "Rock" is 95% "Cimarossa Vineyard," Howell Mountain Cab. First earthy, disjointed and shy, this Cab bursted out with killer flavors quicker than I would have thought...15 minutes in the glass made a huge difference. Spicy (black pepper, curry), coffee, chocolate and the slight smell of charcoal mix in with loads of rich berry/cherry (both red and black). This is wonderfully powerful Cab. That written, it's not particularly tannic nor hard. Relative to most youthful Howell Mountain Cabs, it has grace and drink-me-now qualities. 500 cases made.
January 15, 2007
If you lament all the $75+ Cabernet, here are two just tasted and deemed "super boogie good" and well worth your dollars. Crauford Cabernet Sauvignon "Tatto - Maroon Vinyard" Napa Valley 2003 ($38) is from "a great little hillside Cabernet vineyard in Pope Valley" says Owner and Winegrower Julianna Crauford. (Pope Valley is a sub-region of Napa Valley, to the east of the Valley floor, higher up.) This Cab has impact. Dark fruits, black currant, dark chocolate, vanilla bean, woodsmoke and graphite come to mind. Big yet balanced tannins tell me this wine will age really well. Try now if you "like 'em big" and age some for 3 to 8 years no problem. This is a slam dunk for big Napa Cab lovers.
February 26, 2007
Every so often we're poured a wine that has "the flavor." We look for it most in Napa Cabs since that's wine #1 that folks want from us. When we taste it, it's apparent very quickly. It's sappy black cherry, a little too ripe for some, soft tannins yet still full-bodied, and a finish that isn't complex but the same sappy berry/cherry dominated and long. Say, I just described the RENTERIA Cabernet Sauvignon Stag's Leap District, Napa Valley 2003 ($45 net). It has "the flavor." We bought all we could get because we know those who read this and then buy it will love it. Only 130 cases made.
April 14, 2007
CULLER "LA PALETTE" Napa Valley 2004 ($49/net) is 95% Cab Sauv and 5%Petite Verdot. Owner/Winemaker Karen Culler buys these grapes from a benchland vineyard in the southeast quadrant of Napa Valley. The wine pours from the bottle very dark ("It's the Petite Verdot that makes it so dark," says Karen.) This is some good juice, wine-lovers. Mulberry, dark chocolate, minerality, cola berry, rich tobacco, smoke smells and flavors in "La Palette." This very youthful wine is easy to love now with a good decanting. Better to cellar for at least a couple of years, preferrably five. Only 195 cases made. We got two of them.
September 22, 2006
MEYER CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($42) is here. Made by Mark Herold of Merus. Big fruit, nice layers here...tobacco, anise, cassis, bakers' chocolate, five spice. This is drinking pretty well now, but it definitely needs a decanting to really strut. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% new French oak for a year and a half. This wine is touted as the "highest rated Cabernet in the Wine Spectator this year." They got this one right.
November 8, 2006
Here's a scenario of how we taste and find wines that you buy from us and (usually) enjoy. Amy Aiken, Owner/Winemaker of MEANDER CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($65) came in to pour us her inaugural release. Particulars: 1/2 "Morisoli" and 1/2 "Lewelling," two rippin' mid-Valley floor vineyards. 60% new French oak. 200 cases made. Amy has the same grapes for vintages 2004 through 2006, which is nice. When someone this passionate, hard-working and talented comes to pour us her first wine, we really really hope it's good, for such wines are exactly what you want us to recommend to you. Great news: it's really good, and we're selling it now. The Meander Cabernet 2003 is medium to full body, mixes up wild red cherry, blueberry and currant fruits, and boasts a distinctive violet, raw meat, black tea and tobacco aroma and flavor (very subtle). This is ample Cab but not does fall in the powerhouse category. The two cases we just received may be all we get, for Amy is just about out. We do look forward to future vintages from her, that's for sure!
October 28, 2006
Additionally the winner of the "Glam Wine Label" award, ROUND POND CABERNET SAUVIGNON Rutherford, Napa Valley 2003 ($52/bottle) is a complete Napa Cab. If familiar with the baseball term "a five tool player" (hits for average, hits for power, runs, throws and catches), then you'll appreciate this analogy: ROUND POND IS A FIVE TOOL CAB. It boasts richness, complexity, balance, enjoyment tonight and ability to age. Hey, like that?
This is Estate Cab from the base of the Mayacamas Range in the tenderloin of Cab growing country. With black currant, black cherry, mocha, heavy toast waffle, cedar and tobacco flavors, this wine straddles tradition with 21st Century bigger-is-better kinda winemaking. 1500 cases made.
November 11, 2006
Renteria Vineyards just released an exceptional "value" Napa Cab by the name of Salva Tierra Cabenet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004 ($26). This is made by Karen Culler, well known in the best winemaking circles of Napa but still underrated. This is very much Karen Culler style: rich, silky, plush, bursting with red & black cherry, sweet spice sensations, smooth oak component, drink now or hold a while your choice. This wine is sourced from myriad vineyards that Renteria vineyard management oversees. Only 200 cases made.
Voces Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($36) is the second release for T-Vine Assistant Winemaker Fernando Candelario. Voces is sourced from "Crocker Vineyard" in the heart of Napa Valley, just south of St. Helena. A spicy/minty nose then flavors of black berry/cherry, cocoa, fruit-forwardness, depth of flavor and "approachability" define the 2003 Voces. "4% Merlot makes this Cabernet very approachable right now" says Fernando. This is in our "Yummy Bin." 288 cases made.
February 16, 2007
Best Cab with a bad label award goes to CHARLES CREEK Cabernet Sauvignon "La Sonrisa del Tecolote" Napa Valley 2002 ($27/bottle). The La Sonrisa name doesn't help either...means "the smile of the owl." Good if you're a big owl fan. As Hamlet said "the wine's the thing," or something to that affect. This is mostly Spring Mountain Cabernet, and has 8% Merlot to smooth it out a little. Black currant, licorice, dark tobacco, cocoa, vanilla, black cherry (very Napa) abound. Not tannic, but very strong, and an excellent value.
November 7, 2006
I wrote up this very wine: Neal Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($45/bottle net) almost one year ago. Neal Family is first a vineyard management company that makes a small amount of really good wine. They sell their wine when they have time, which isn't much. This must be why a Cabernet this good, for such a relatively good price, is still available to me and you. For forwardness, depth, richness, silkiness, power and on and on...for $45...the Neal Cabernet is it! Sourced from six regions of Napa: Howell Mountain, Atlas Peak, Mt. Veeder, Rutherford, St. Helena and Coombsville. 100% new French Oak. Delicious, classic sweetness of Napa Cab here, with seductive cocoa, cinnamon and tobacco layers. We'll keep selling it as long we keep getting it.
October 9, 2006
Tony Soter (founder and the man of Etude) makes a tiny amount of SOTER CABERNET FRANC "LITTLE CREEK" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($75 net) from his home vineyard in the outskirts of Napa town. Killer wine here, competitive with the best of Right Bank. 20% Malbec from the same place gives panache. Rich, dark fruit, smoke, black olive, underlying notes of violet and lavender, sweet and Asian spices in there too. This is very poweful wine but not tannic. "Seventy five bucks for Cab Franc?" I hear you asking. Yes indeed. Hey, "provocative" doesn't just describe nuclear bomb tests. Applies to the Soter Cab Franc, too. 250 cases made.
October 12, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
RUSTON FAMILY VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON STAGECOACH VINEYARD NAPA VALLEY 2002 ($50) Nicely concentrated Cab from the famous Stagecoach Vineyard perched high in the hills east of Oakville between Pritchard Hill and Atlas Peak. Made by Joshua Krupp, the wine is defined by the rocky volcanic soils the grapes grow in, which impart a nice minerality and intensity. Notes of spice, cola, berries, subtle vanilla, soft oak and bright acidity round out this approachable and tasty wine. The blend is 93% Cabernet and 7% Cabernet Franc, and 514 cases were produced.
December 3, 2005
Anomaly Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2002 ($75/btl.), single vineyard Cab from the western benchlands of St. Helena, is stylistically like a Montelena Estate and Revana: intense berry/cherry with ample wildflower, anise and allspice with a velvety, graceful mouthfeel. Estate vineyard, all French oak (75% new), 2% Petite Verdot, 475 cases made. This is very lovely Cab that is big flavored and big bodied packaged in a very luxurious style. I distinguish quality here by the expansive flavor and texture on the back-palate and the twenty second finish that seems to keep expanding. Excellent now: best in 2008, I think.
November 11, 2006
David Arthur "Meritaggio" Napa Valley 2004 ($55/bottle net) is a Cabernet Sauvignon based (68%) big red from the top of Pritchard Hill. Made by Bob Egelhoff, one of Napa's best at making big, special Cabernets and Cab based blends. Rest of "Meritaggio" is 10% Merlot, 7% Sangiovese, 5% Cab Franc and 5% Petite Verdot. All hillside fruit from the Estate vineyard. No secrets on this wine, as it's lush, rich, very fruity and easy to love. It's definitely powerful, fruit driven, and a real teeth stainer of a red. Expect our two cases to go fast.
November 18, 2006 (By Ryan Graham)
I'm enjoying a taste of the COHO CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2004 ($32) as I write this and boy, is it good! Gary Lipp and Brooks Painter, the two guys behind Coho Wines, were here pouring for us at our Back Room Blow-Out XIX tasting last night and they practically stole the show with their wines. This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from vineyards in Coombsville and Stag's Leap District. The wine is a slam dunk for Napa Cab; fruit-forward, lush, rich, and complex with dark berries and nicely integrated flavors of spice, oak and supple tannin. It's really drinking nicely now, but will definitely improve with a bit of bottle age as well. 291 cases were produced.
December 21, 2006
Best Cab for the money in 2006, I feel, is Meyer Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 for $42. This wine is made for Hestan Vineyards by Mark Herold. Mark makes Cab that is flashy, oaky, rich, juicy, and unique...all at the same time. It's easy to make a wine with lots of mascara, but not so easy to keep the beauty underneath apparent. This is what's so good about the Meyer. It's got soul! Dark fruits, cocoa, some mineral, wood smoke. Healthy tannins but not drying. Decant and drink tonight, or age for 5-10 years. I recommend and sell this wine often in the store. Most buy it, all are happy with it.
August 29, 2006
RAMEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON "LARKMEAD VINEYARD" NAPA VALLEY 2004 ($76) is just 79% Cab with Petite Verdot and Malbec, in fairly equal amounts, making up the rest. "Larkmead" is northern Napa Valley floor. This vineyard dates back to the late 19th century. First release of this vineyard for Ramey, this is a wine I bet is discovered after it's long sold out. Here are Steve Tanzer's notes: "Sexy aromas of dark berries and mocha. Plush, superripe and deep, with a palate impression just this side of heavy. The wine's texture of liquid velvet is leavened by a rocky, minerally element. A voluminous wine whose big, ripe tannins reach the entire palate. Surprising vinosity carries the fruit on the aftertaste."
May 10, 2006
I have hopes to scoop the competition on this big fella - MARSHALL CELLARS "JULIET PEERY" NAPA VALLEY 2002 ($55). Owner Vera Marshall previewed this wine at Blow Out XVI last month (Blow Out XVII, June 16. Be here.) and this wine stole the show. This is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from "Tokalon Vineyard" in Oakville, with Coombsville fruit finishing it off. It’s delicious! Fruit forward (black cherries, mulberries and such) with the perfect frame of vanilla and chocolate creme brulée...not too much. Rather than going crazy with descriptors, I relay the scene here: some 60 tasters at The Blow Out tried it and went nuts. Now it’s your turn.
July 16, 2006
Sojourn Cabernet Sauvignon "Mountain Terraces Vineyard" Sonoma Valley 2002 ($42 net) truly captures all the bigness, richness and yumminess of California Cab. It's luscious, dark, creamy and a slam dunk wine find from BRW. It's a "love me tonight for there may not be a tomorrow" kinda Cab. 150 cases made, and BRW is getting a handful. "Mountain Terraces" is just above "Monte Rosso Vineyard," overlooking the Sonoma Valley.
July 16, 2006
Teachworth Vineyard neighbors Diamond Creek Vineyards on Diamond Mountain. Phil Steinschreiber of Diamond Creek makes the wines, and the Teachworth "Estate" is broken up into two distinct vineyards. Indeed, the Teachworth Cabs are "Baby Diamond Creeks." Walter Teachworth dropped in last week and poured me his three, just released 2001 Cabernets: Teachworth "Manzanita Hill" Diamond Mountain 2001 ($75 net), the warmer of the vineyards, is more big jammy fruit on the nose and berry basket in the mouth. It's the more "typical" Napa Cab. The Teachworth "Estate" Cab 2001 ($75 net) is a blend of the two vineyards and gives the best of both vineyards: big fruit with a Bordeauxesque edge. Teachworth Cabernet Sauvignon "Rattlesnake Ridge" Diamond Mountain 2001 (SOLD OUT) is my favorite, as it's full of truffle, black olive, tobacco, cocoa and rich fruit. This is a two acre vineyard, so the production is tiny. Again, we're very pleased to be one of the very few to carry this wine.
May 10, 2006
Pardon me a moment for the pretension, but the FAVIA "CERRO SUR" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($85) is a true wine-geeks’ wine. "Cerro Sur" is 85% Cab Franc, 15% Cab Sauv from the Coombsville region, just east of Napa-town. Imagine Napa Valley grapes growing in sunny, rocky Chateauneuf-du-Pape: tobacco leaf, five spice and wild thyme mingle with red berry, cherry & currant. This is a wine-insider must-try. 200 cases.
June 22, 2006
CRANE BROTHERS "BRODATIOUS" NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($37) is 50% Cab Sauv, 12% Syrah and 38% all the other Bordeaux grapes (Merlot, Franc, Petite Verdot). The Crane Vineyard is in the northwest corner of Napa-town, where the hills are rolling and the grapes soak in tons of sun. I like the bigness and richness of the Brodatious for sure. That written, it takes more than just big 'n' rich these days as many folks have that down. The complexity, exoticness and spiciness of this wine is very impressive. With all the fruit you can taste licorice, lavender, candied ginger, vanilla bean and smoke. Try this wine with a big thick steak and you'll be very happy. Unless you don't eat steak, in which case you'll be very unhappy. 300 cases made.
March 23, 2006
Always a crowd-pleaser, the Spelletich Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2001, $35/bottle, was a pleasant surprise to find still available, and now it's available to you. Always brimming with ripe black cherries, the 2001 Spelletich is mellowing out just a little. A little cola, five spice and dried leaves give the right amount of wine flavor. Good structure, but not tannic. Rich but not over the top, it's certain to please any Cabernet fan.
April 29, 2006
Sequum Cabernet Sauvignon "Four Soil Melange" Napa Valley 2003, $55/bottle, is in the house. The 2002 Sequum was a big hit here...very much enjoyed. I've already shared a bottle of the 2003 with some folks, and this too is beyond very good. This is made by Paul Skinner, a geologist, grape grower and winemaker. He makes this up at Pride Mountain. The "Four Soil Melange" is in reference to the different soil types in each of the four vineyards from which he buys the Cab grapes.
The wine: deep concentration of fruit (at 15.1% alcohol, he certainly got very ripe grapes), exceptional complexity for Napa Cab with maduro cigar, bittersweet chocolate, anise and even a pleasing twinge of briny olive on the finish. This is Napa Cab at it's finest and most interesting.
September 15 , 2006
LARKIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2004 ($60) just arrived. Sean Larkin has worn many hats in the wine trade here in the Napa Valley, but what he really wants to do is make wine. For the last five or so years, he's been doing a great job of it. He makes two wines: Cab Franc and Cab Sauv. The '04 Franc isn't ready yet, but I'm hot & heavy for this Cab here. Sean has sourced tiny lots of grapes from great vineyards in St. Helena, Calistoga, Pritchard Hill, Yountville and Oakville to make this wine. It's a classic modern day Napa Cab with it's big black cherry, cocoa, cassis and vanilla flavors and very lush style. It ain't sweet, but it's like eating candy Napa style!
May 10, 2006
FOUNTAINHEAD CABERNET SAUVIGNON "MORISOLI-BORGES" RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($45) is special. Like the Detert, this is A+ property to grow Cab, and the wine shows it. The nose is fun with a Zin-like pepper spice, black cherry, cedar box and berry liqueur. The flavor is rich and seamless. The true sign of quality, I feel, comes just before you swallow. This is when the rich, sweet berry flavor attacks! Great finish. First there’s fruit, then more spice, olive and earth. The food pairing ideas here are endless as this wine has appropriate restraint.
May 28, 2006
This vintage, the PARADIGM CABERNET SAUVIGNON OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY 2002 ($47) I think is my favorite Paradigm wine yet. As is the case for many/most Napa Cabernet producers, it's particularly fruit-forward and luscious compared their norm. Which is nice. Classic black cherry and raspberry liqueur, vanilla bean and tobacco notes, bold yet velvety. It's as solid as they come.
May 10, 2006
BIG is an appropriate description for SEDNA CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($34). An Estate wine from just north of Napa town, the Sedna Cabernet is big on the blueberry flavor...15% Syrah added partly explains this. This is particularly complex Cabernet with cola berry, bittersweet chocolate, cassis and that notorious wine descriptor: minerality. While previous Sedna Cabs have been very fruit forward and delicious, this 2003 is the most complex, structured and "serious" Cab they’ve made yet. Only 350 cases made.
May 28, 2006
O'SHAUGHNESSY CABERNET SAUVIGNON HOWELL MOUNTAIN, NAPA VALLEY 2003 ($65) just came in. Before I tried it, a friend who had just tasted this 2003 said, "I didn't like it as much as the 2002...it's a little too over the top." Over the top is not a problem for most of you, my Napa Cab customers. And it is over the top, just a little. Very concentrated liqueur like fruitiness, creamy, lush and long. This is atypical Howell Mountain Cab as it's not as chewy/earthy/spicy as most. One thing it is: TASTY.
December 8, 2005
Bridesmaid Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2003 ($40/btl.) is a joint venture between Pam Starr (Crocker & Starr), Drew Neiman (Neiman Cellars, Kongsgaard & Arietta assistant winemaker) and Josh Peeples (Chateau Boswell). Vineyard sources are a secret. Released while still a little shocky as it was just this August. Lot of fruit here: signature Napa black cherry, boysenberry, pomegranate. On the palate it teeters between briary and jammy fruit. Also get malt, balsa, primo cigar and earth. Finish is disjointed-all it needs is six months to start rockin'. Very cool packaging, too. About 900 cases made.
October 24, 2005
Igneous Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2002 ($85/btl.) cuts a little bit closer to home as it's the first release from friends of my pre-wine-geek days. Ann and Don Huckfeldt of Napa have an "in" for great grapes as Don owns a well-drilling company and has done some digging for (amongst others) Dave Abreu. This contact gave the Huckfeldts the urge to make something special, and so with "Thorevilos Vineyard" fruit comes this 170 case production, made by Kirk Venge. Excellent Cabernet with all the bells and whistles of super-luscious Napa Cab with big flavors and supple tannins. Not shy on the oak yet maintains balance. Mocha Creme Brulée, vanilla bean, finger-staining blackberries and mulberry pie. "Luxury Cabernet" to be sure with a package to match.
September 22, 2005
This is the beginning of a beautiful relationship: Violet Green Winery makes "Alder Springs Vineyard" reds, and makes them very very well! Just received Violet Green Merlot "Alder Springs" 2002 ($29/btl). Owners & Winemakers Lina Carro and Don Wattenberger live and make their wine in my hometown of Eureka, California (Humboldt County, five hour drive north of San Francisco). They drive two hours south of Eureka to "Alder Springs," near Laytonville in Northern Mendocino County (dizzy with directions now?) to get their world-class wine grapes. The wine: silky, concentrated, intense deep berry/cherry. Luxurious mouth feel like cashmere...how Merlot should be but usually isn't. Those who know "Alder Springs" say Merlot is the least successful grape there. This wine will change their opinion. Violet Green's 2003 reds will be part of Holiday Newsletter. I've tasted all of them and they're some of the best, new California reds I've tasted in a long, long time. Very small production. I first tasted their wines at the big "Family Winemakers Tasting" in San Francisco this past summer. My mouth lit up with flavor, then my eyes shined in excitement.
August 16, 2005
My vote for most underrated Cabernet producer in Napa Valley goes to Barlow Vineyards. Their 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley ($40/bottle net) once again puts them on the A Team for quality. Really, there's a lot of $60-$80 Cab out there that is not this good. 100% Cabernet from their family vineyard on Silverado Trail, three miles south of Calistoga. Intense, dark, classic black cherry. Mineral and bittersweet chocolate blends in with big fruit on the finish. Interestingly, Barlow Cabernets and typically more supple (less tannic) than their Estate Merlot. No exception in 2002.
Speaking of Barlow Merlot 2002 $33/btl., we have it. One of the best Merlots in California. No lie.
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