The Wine Insiders

Viña Cobos ‘Bramare’ Chardonnay Marchiori Vineyard 2007 – 95 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:20:19 +0000

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

B Cellars ‘Beckstoffer To-Kalon’ Cabernet 2006 – 98 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:18:44 +0000

“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

Dumas ‘Neighbors Vineyard’ Reserve Cabernet 2006

thewineinsiders — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:11:19 +0000

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

Aquilon 2006

thewineinsiders — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:07:57 +0000

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

Argentina Wine Focus.

thewineinsiders — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:57:53 +0000

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.

Sans Leige Grenache 2006 – 93 Points.

thewineinsiders — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:15:10 +0000

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

Wolf Family ‘Phaedrus’ Cabernet 2006 – 94 Points

thewineinsiders — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:13:10 +0000

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

Napa Insider Hotel Recommendation

thewineinsiders — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:14:53 +0000

Napa finally has a new spa resort to rival long time favorites Auberge Du Soleil and Meadowood properties! The name is Bardessono and the best news is it’s conveniently located in my personal favorite area of Napa Valley, the town of Yountville. Bardessono features spacious rooms and a spectacular pool / sun deck area with sweeping vistas of nearby vineyards and both mountain ranges surrounding Napa Valley. The expertly trained staff is affable and accommodating without the snob effect sometimes prevalent at top resorts these days. I won’t soon forget the delectable brunch on the terrace outside our suite as we soaked up the morning sunrise shining on the renowned Cabernet vineyards. In addition to a sleek, modern feel Bardessono was built incorporating advanced environmentally conscious materials and technologies to achieve what they claim is the “greenest luxury hotel in America.” Whether you share eco-priorities with recent guest Robert Redford (or not) i highly recommend this scintillating new destination in the heart of Napa! Visit www.Bardessono.com for details.

St. Helena Ravenous Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

thewineinsiders — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:22:24 +0000

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.

Wine Label Hall Of Fame: Korbin Kameron

thewineinsiders — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:59:59 +0000

Korbin Kameron

Bay area design firm Office has done a stunning job designing the bottles for upcoming winery, Korbin Kameron. The bottles are screen-printed (similar to Silver Oak’s Napa Valley Cabernet bottling) with a swooping design and a small, rectangular adhesive label floats near the bottom with details about the wine.