Arrowood Réserve Spéciale – Sonoma Valley – 2014
Rating: 95 - Wine Advocate
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Introduced to the nose with seductive dark fruit and aromas of blackberry, fresh fig, and licorice, this wine is rich in complexities. Fresh notes of Bing cherry and violet also surface as the wine breathes. Framed by a firm structure and silky elegance, the persisting texture defines what makes this wine the Reserve Speciale. The power behind this wine ingratiates itself to the entire palate—dark chocolate and nutmeg outline baking spices and plum. And a lingering finish will carry on long afterwards. The long barrel aging and year in bottle before release guarantee its readiness to drink. However, those that hold onto it will be rewarded, with an aging potential of 20+ years.
Fortress – North Coast – 2018
Rating: 93 – Wine Enthusiast
Composition: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Malbec, 9% Merlot
Intense color with a dark ruby center and garnet edges. Aromas of raspberry to dark plum with a bit of dark spice and a lift of sweet toffee. The palate is fruit-forward with dark lush blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry flavors, followed by a great mid-palate with chewy tannins on the finish. Overall, the wine has great balance and is approachable enough to drink young as well as the structure and tannins to age gracefully.
Freemark Abbey - Napa Valley - 2018
Rating: 91 - Vinous
Composition: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc.
Freemark Abbey's Cabernet Sauvignon is dark, supple and inviting. Black cherry, plum, mocha and licorice give this open-knit Cabernet tons of up-front appeal. Silky tannins wrap around the juicy, inviting finish.
Kendall Jackson – Jackson Estate Appellation – Alexander Valley - 2017
Rating: 92 - Vinous
Composition: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon 22% Merlot
A bold, powerful wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley possesses tremendous density and tons of pure power. Black cherry, menthol, licorice, chocolate, cloves and French oak add to an impression of gravitas and brooding power. This is an especially rich, muscular style.
Mt. Brave – Mt. Veeder - 2018
Rating: 95 - Wine Spectator
Composition: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec
Deep garnet-purple colored, it springs from the glass with vibrant crème de cassis, baked plums and Morello cherries scents, followed by nuances of sautéed herbs, clove oil, mocha and scorched earth. The full-bodied palate is densely laden with layers of black and blue fruits, sporting a rock-solid backbone of grainy tannins and great tension, finishing long and minerally
Opolo Summit Creek – Paso Robles – 2020
Rating: 91 - Wine Enthusiast
Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 87% Merlot 9% Malbec 2% Petit Verdot 2%
The Summit Creek Cabernet Sauvignon opens with warm aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, vanilla and toasted oak. A plush, mouth filling texture unfolds with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cassis and mocha. Notes of cedar and tobacco are joined by buoyant acidity on a smooth, supple finish.
Pope Valley Winery – Napa Valley - 2018
Rating: 92 - USA wine ratings
Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec
Fresh aromas of juniper and sage unfold to smoked jerky and cassis; the palate if dark and juicy supported by fresh cigar and toffee flavors; followed by dusty cocoa powder and tight structure on a clean, focused finish.
