2009 Alpha Omega Napa Chardonnay

The 2009 Alpha Omega Chardonnay Napa Valley is a triumph.  The exceptional conditions for growing Chardonnay that existed in 2009 are brought forth with perfect sugar to acid ratios resulting in a wonderfully balanced and elegant Chardonnay.  Plenty of tropical fruit, vanilla, toasted oak and cedar notes on the nose with a palate of fresh citrus, marzipan and honeysuckle with just a hint of buttery oak.

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The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 6: 2008 Duckhorn “The Discussion” Cabernet Sauvignon

73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot and the balance split between Petite Verdot and Cab Franc, the 2008 “The Discussion” is a remarkable wine.  Dark and inky in the glass with aromas of ripe fruit and oak.  The mouthfeel is silky with well structured tannins.  Generous flavors of cocoa, espresso and dark fruit abound and the finish goes on and on.  For my money this is the pick of the litter and I will definitely be adding a case to my cellar to enjoy over the next 10-15 years.  Classic 95+ points.  -Jeff

Buccella Cabernet Sauvignon “Mica” Napa Valley 2009 – 95 Points

Perfectly balanced. Mica is rich and elegant (and bold!), layered with lush blackberry and ripe red-cherries with subtle hints of espresso, dark chocolate and toffee. Well integrated oak flavors, velvety mouth-coating tannins and a long lingering finish that bodes well for thrills tonight (after decanting ½ hour) or anytime over the next 5 – 7 years. We predict this impressive effort will peak around 2014.

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Produced by Buccella.

De Sante Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Terraces 2007 – 95 Points

The color in the glass is dark red with purple at the center of the glass. Aromas of fresh blackberry, raspberry and just-baked cherry pie hint at the amazing fruit that marks all of the ’07’s. The palate is seamless with a full and even texture from start to finish. Like one piece of fine silk, the wine simply flows. The fruit expression is dramatic with cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and spiced plum alternating and repeating. The finish is ethereal, floral, gently spiced and persistent. It is the type of sensation that makes you want to have another sip.

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Produced by De Sante.

Double Eagle Proprietary Red Wine Napa Valley 2009 – 95 Points

The wine is deep in color with aromas and layers of flavors of caramelized anise, cassis, sweet cocoa, blackberries and cola. Firm in structure but generous in mouth-feel make the wine drinkable now, but will develop and improve for a number of years to come. Nice and luscious.

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Produced by Double Eagle.