Korbin Kameron Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder 2004 – 94 points

100% Cabernet with well integrated aromas of strawberry preserves, dried orange peel, and violets that introduce an ultra-smooth texture on this oh so sexy wine bargain. Rich and complex dark fruit on the palate lingers through the finish with a nice balance of toasted oak and exotic spices. The structure and balance is definitely Cabernet, and the elegance this wine shows is an attribute of this wonderful vineyard site. 94 points

BUY: Korbin Kameron Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder 2004

Aging Napa Cabernets Under $60.

We never cease to be amazed by how much a great Cabernet can change in just one year. Hence, we revisited two “old” favorites from last  year and here are updated notes on each. BOTH displayed a significantly more complex structure and integrated flavors. We’ve bumped our rating on each one a full point!

Coho Headwaters Meritage

Coho Headwaters Meritage 2005 – 94 Points.
A delicious blend of Cabernet, Merlot, and Petit Verdot features the best of Napa at an affordable price! This wine has already aged gracefully in just one year of bottle time. It now displays deep layers of ripe fruit flavors that include blackberry, plums, and a hint of cherry floating across a super SILKY SMOOTH texture (thanks to the amazing quality Merlot!). Hints of caramel toffee shine through with the toasty oak as well as a coconut (from the oak barells) and tannins on the delightful finish. Enjoy tonight (after decanting 1/2 hour) with any meat or hard cheese or buy a few extra bottles because this gem will age gracefully for the next 3 – 5 years, peaking around 2012 in our estimate. 94 Points.

John Anthony Cabernet

John Anthony Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 – 94 Points.
(update 1/09) This wine has aged well and has picked up more dense fruit and leathery tannins.  Very impressive!  In the beginning of this tremendous experience, rich blackberry and cassis aromas unfold into black cherry and dark plum. This seductive new Cabernet is young and bright, but serious and well balanced.  Perhaps even bigger and more ageworthy than the 2004 vintage, this is showing incredible finesse and polish with ripe, integrated tannins.  Blackberry, plum and cassis flavors in the front & mid palates meld into toasty oak and sweet hints of coconut on the delightful finish lasting a full 30 seconds. Enjoy now (after decanting one hour) + buy enough to age for the next 5 years, peaking around 2010 in our estimate! This is an amazing new release from these talented young vintners and a winery to watch for years to come. This is a truly delicious wine.  94 points.

Alexana Pinot Noir Revana Vineyard 2006 – 94 Points.

Alexana Pinot Noir

We love this new discovery because it captures the best of both ‘worlds’ from Oregon + California Pinot Noir! Rich, supple and graceful with captivating aromas of blackberry and bright cherry, perfumed with typical Oregon minerality, cinnamon and lavender oil with distinctly robust ‘California style’ fruit flavors (after decanting one hour). An expressive, open textured palate is layered with succulent sweet red fruit with hints of peppercorn and spice. The refined and lithe tannins last beautifully on the palate with a poised and polished finish. This sensational new discovery is guaranteed to thrill for the next 3 – 5 years, peaking around 2014 in our estimate. 94 points
BUY: Alexana Pinot Noir Revana Vineyard 2006

94 Point Malbec from Argentina!

Andeluna Limited Reserve Malbec 2004

Set among the foothills of the Andes, Andeluna Cellars is a remarkably beautiful place to behold and is the source of the spectacular Limited Reserve Malbec 2004 we just rated “Outstanding 94” points. This guaranteed thriller is:

• BOTH elegant + exotic tasting (see notes below)
• Sourced from vineyards originally planted by world famous winemaker Michel Rolland, directly next door to his own vineyards.
• A “Steal” (!) at only $39 due to the Argentine Peso’s exchange rate (one currency where US dollar is still strong!)

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Our Favorite new “Burgundy + California” Pinot!

SAND HILL “DURELL” VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2005

This delicious Pinot Noir is sourced from the owner of the Durell vineyard, famous as one of Kistler’s most highly rated!  We love this new micro-production discovery because it combines the elegant minerality of Burgundy’s finest Pinots combined with seductively bold California fruit.

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