News From Napa And Beyond
Wine Reviews
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Nov 23rd
Gorgeous notes of tropical fruits, vanilla, white peach, and mineral on the nose. Plush on the palate, it has superior depth, layered flavors, and outstanding length with grilled hazelnut and brioche notes weaving through the plump apple, pear and fig flavors. Long and juicy with orange marmalade on the finish. 95 POINTS The Wine Insiders
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Nov 23rd
“CLASSIC 98” POINTS: “This Cabernet displays captivating aromas and intoxicating flavors Napa’s priciest ‘Cult’ Cabernets!!! Starting with aromas of cassis, cocoa, leather and mocha. Dense and juicy, with excellent concentration to its luscious flavors of dark plums and cherries, plus cocoa, and a hint of coconut on the succulent finish. This grand creation features ultra luscious fruit flavors deftly melded together with lavish tannins that bode well for long term cellaring (if you can wait). Enjoy tonight, after decanting an hour, or anytime over the next 4 – 13 years. 98 Points The Wine Insiders
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Jun 11th
Dumas Cabernet
Everything about this sophisticated wine impresses from the beginning including the dense purple color, the aromas of lavender and creme de cassis, and the ULTRA silky smooth texture. Captivating flavors include a luscious symphony of ripe plums, blackberries, and deep dark chocolate and mocha in the mid-palate. The sensuous finish crescendos with a hint of savory spices including truffle, cherries and flawlessly integrated toasty oak flavors that bode well for aging at least 5 – 7 years; peaking around 2014 in our estimate. BRAVO! 95+ points. Only 56 cases bottled” THE WINE INSIDERS
BUY: Dumas ‘Neighbors Vineyard’ Reserve Cabernet 2006
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Jun 11th
Aquilon 2006
After sampling, we can guarantee you that this transcendent interpretation of classic Spanish Grenache combines the plush and luscious jammy fruit fans of Napa Cabernets adore with the exotic aromatics and age-worthiness serious wine collectors admire about European treasures. The seductive Aquilon has a splendid perfume of slate, violets, and cherry compote. The off the chart intensity will fool many into thinking this blockbuster wine is from the New World. But the beautiful integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, a smooth texture, layers of flavor, and exceptional length will have you thinking its from another world. This is an absolutely stunning wine well worth a few slots in any serious wine collectors cellar. Drink now after decanting (1 hour) or anytime over the next 10 years, peaking in 2014 in our estimate.
BUY: Aquilon 2006
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Jun 9th
Argentina enjoys a storied history of relaxed, late night dinners and a festive wine culture, historically focused on highly tannic Malbecs and Cabernet blends to accompany the national obsession with red meat at virtually every meal! Argentinian Malbecs have recently gained world class collector status through the tireless efforts of local leaders and international pioneers to produce elegant, refined wines with more polished tannins ideal for long term aging. While the Malbec grape is one of the original five varietals of the prized red wines from Bordeaux, France, Malbec has not achieved noble recognition from serious wine collectors until recently. Today, Argentinian Malbec is on the short list of “must haves” for any diverse collection or chic restaurant wine list. The Catena family is widely recognized as one of Argentina’s “first families” of wine (similar to the Mondavi clan in Napa) and have garnered praise plus “Classic 95 – 99” point ratings for their “Zapata” Malbec. Legendary Napa Cabernet winemaker Paul Hobbs has raised the stakes among South American vintners with his remarkable “Cobos” project based in the Mendoza region of Argentina. The recently released Vina Cobos Marchiori Vineyard Malbec 2006 (rated 99 points by Robert Parker) is nothing short of breathtaking and one of the Top 5 most enchanting wines I have sampled in the past year.
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May 12th
Rich and concentrated, with a wealth of flavor, stretching out from espresso, juicy blueberry, currant, dark chocolate and spice with hints of vanilla and dusty berry, ending with a long, plushy finish. So easy to drink you’ll be glad you bought more than just one bottle! 93 Points The Wine Insiders
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May 12th
This beauty emanates blackberry and cassis aromas, rich dark berry flavors, espresso, cocoa, and a lush, velvety texture. This wine is well suited for immediate enjoyment however given its terroir and balance graceful aging is anticipated for 5 to 8 years. 94 Points The Wine Insiders
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Apr 28th
THE WINE INSIDERS TASTING NOTES:
This 2006 Ravenous is a powerful sensation, BIG on fruit, that combines the best characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon with a dollop of Petit Sirah to give it the exotic “X” factor + guarantee age worthy extravagance. Concentrated crème de cassis, licorice, and inky blackberry elicited from the Petite Sirah, mixed with all the power of the mocha, currant, dark chocolate, and blueberry from the Cabernet Sauvignon, with a hint of tobacco creates a smooth and silky tannin structure that finishes well in the palate. Will be at its peak between 2010-2013.
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Mar 26th
A blend of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with the balance Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, this wine has aromas of cassis, new leather and mocha. Dense, creamy-sweet and juicy, with excellent concentration to its luscious flavors of dark berries and semi-sweet chocolate. This grand creation features ultra luscious fruit flavors deftly melded together with plush tannins that bode well for long term cellaring (if you can wait). Enjoy tonight, after decanting an hour, or anytime over the next 7 – 10 years, peaking around 2014. Hurry because I plan to stock a few bottles in my personal cellar! 95 points
BUY: Chateau Boswell Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve 2006
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Mar 25th
Sierra Madre Pinot Noir
This brand new Pinot Noir opens beautifully in the glass, with captivating aromas of ripe red cherry, violet, strawberry, and then launches forth with hedonistic flavors of red plums, spicy black cherry and scintilating notes of lavendar. ollow. Long on the palate, this wine offers a sleek silky, cherry-strawberry finish with lightly toasted oak. This sultry wine promises to age gracefully for 3 – 5 (peaking around 2012) years but will also perfectly enhance Salmon, Chicken, or any French triple cream cheese tonight (after decanting ½ hour). 94 points.
BUY: Sierra Madre Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007