Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005

When Bordeaux magnate Bernard Magrez decided to make a Napa Cabernet, he exerted the same exacting standards that he requires at his Ch. Pape Clement (whose ‘05 received 98 points R. Parker). He sourced fruit from cult producer David Abreu’s Thorvelios and Madrona Ranch vineyards, hand-picked and sorted by a team of 80 pickers directly under Abreu’s supervision. The wine was then crafted by Seven Stones winemaker Aaron Pott in conjunction with Michel Rolland, the world’s most famous winemaker. Barrel aged and then released after 7 years, this is truly one of our greatest finds to date, and until today, the Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005 was only available from the Magrez wine shops in Paris and Bordeaux.

Tasting Notes:  Intense yet perfectly balanced, this is chock full of raspberry, liqueur of cassis, violet, chocolate and toffee on the nose. An almost glycerin concentration, with bright acidity and a floral element lifting the flavors of dark berries, sweet spices and chocolatey oak. Luscious yet haunting it finishes with espresso, cocao and polished tannins. Perfectly aged for drinking now, will continue to reward for another 10 years.  97 points

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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

The Thursday Tasting: Duckhorn, Goldeneye and Migration, Part 5: 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Always a classic, the 2009 Duckhorn Napa Cabernet doesn’t disappoint with crowd pleasing aromas of chocolate and ripe fruit and a palate of vanilla, cardamom, dark chocolate and currants all enveloped in dusty tannins.  Plenty of weight and structure, this wine has the legs to go the distance and will mature around 2016 in my estimate.  94+ points.  -Jeff

Viña Cobos Corte uNico Marchiori Vineyard 2008 – 98 points (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

“The 2008 Cobos Corte uNico Marchiori Vineyard is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Malbec. Purple/black in color, it surrenders an impressive bouquet of pain grille, pencil lead, floral notes, Asian spices, licorice, espresso, and assorted black fruits. Loaded on the palate, this full-bodied behemoth is dense, powerful and complex. Give it 5-7 years to become a bit more civilized and drink it through 2028, perhaps longer.” 98 points The Wine Advocate’s Jay Miller

We recently had the privilege of tasting this monster with a field of “who’s who” Napa Cabernets and it stood head and shoulders above them all.  It’s being hailed as the “Screaming Eagle of South America” and I must admit, that is actually a worthy title.  Powerful and hedonistic with silky tannins and a finish that lasts and lasts.  This is an absolutely stunning wine from Paul Hobbs’ Argentinean property.

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Produced by Paul Hobbs

MX Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard 2007 – 99 Points.

Simply stated, this work of genius is “The Bomb” now and, without doubt, promises to offer a transcendental journey to Cabernet nirvana for the next 10+ years. This is a must-have for any serious collectors looking to source the rarest boutique masterpiece of the prized Napa 2007 vintage. Launching forth with deep & dark fruit, deftly integrated French oak, and flavors of cassis, black currants, and blackberry liqueur that glide across the palate like a nimble ballerina. Monumental in it’s grandeur, super-rich, and velvety-textured, this is a truly “full throttle” wine in which notes of cocoa intermingle with spicy black fruits. 99 points now and headed for a perfect rating sometime over the next decade.

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Produced by MX Wines.