The Wine Insiders » Cabernet

Bernard Magrez Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005

thewineinsiders — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:08:07 +0000

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

thewineinsiders — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:42:17 +0000

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

thewineinsiders — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:16:47 +0000

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)

thewineinsiders — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:07:56 +0000

“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.

thewineinsiders — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:41:50 +0000

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.

Buré Duration Cabernet Blend Napa 2008 – 98 Points

thewineinsiders — Fri, 06 May 2011 22:35:48 +0000

This new Buré Cabernet blend (20% Cabernet Franc) is dense, rich and hedonistic with a strong backbone of dark fruit including deftly balanced blueberry, juicy plums, leathery tobacco, and creamy vanilla from the new French oak. The profound tannins introduce this impressive wine’s pedigree….all deftly melded together within an ULTRA silky smooth texture and mouth coating flavors of cocoa and baking spices that linger on the seductive finish inviting another taste. Buré Cabernet is worth of a 97 point rating tonight (after decanting 30 minutes) and has the structure to age well for a decade, peaking into a 98 point classic around 2016 in our estimate.

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Produced by Buré Family Wines.

Doyenne ‘Aix’ Cabernet Blend, Washington 2007 – 94 Points.

thewineinsiders — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:47:59 +0000

This vintage explodes from the glass with dark, dense black fruits, blackberry liqueur, black pepper, almonds and toast. The black fruits dominate the palate, with expressive blackberry and a layer of cassis along the mid-palate. Forward, plush, and spicy, this full-flavored, pleasure-bent offering can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years.
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Marston Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain Napa 2006 – 95 Points

thewineinsiders — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:07:27 +0000

Decadent layers of espresso beans, mocha, bold tannins and a savory hint of black olive tapenade on the sultry finish. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Decant one hour if popping the cork pre-2012 because this BIG boy will easily last until 2019, peaking around 2017 in our estimate. Enjoy this rare opportunity to a own few of these precious hand crafted bottles because less than 300 cases produced.

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Cade Cuvee 2007 – 94+ points.

thewineinsiders — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:17:02 +0000

Cade

Aromas of blackberry, currant, anise and vanilla immediately jump from the glass. Opens up to aromas of plum, cedar and soy develop. On the palate, flavors of blackberry, wild berries, boysenberry, black olive and raspberry are framed by polished tannin. The finish is smooth and lush with a structure that should ensure a long life.

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Noemi Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2007

thewineinsiders — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:12:36 +0000

Noemi Cabernet

This brand new Cabernet features a silky smooth texture with a wide array of deep, dark, and complex fruit including blackberry, plum, toffee and a hint of sweet tobacco flavors balanced by ultra-plush tannins typical of Napa Valley’s finest Cabernets. The structure and balance of this wine is seamless with a velvety texture reminiscent of my favorite age-worthy wines. The smoky oak on the finish is so elegant it seems to float across your palate and then linger seductively for a full minute and bodes well for enjoying now or anytime prior to 2012. If you’re a fan of CAYMUS, don’t miss this new wine discovery!

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