2480 HOLLYWOOD & VINE 2006 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 375ml
Made by Celia Masyczek (Cornerstone, Corra, D.R. Stepehns, Husic, Keever, Rocca, Scarecrow)
This ultra-ripe Cabernet displays a rich tapestry of its multi-faceted origins. Juicy black cherry and raspberry notes from Oakville and Rutherford dominate the aromas, as Spring Mountain’s trademark purple plum, mocha, and sweet black olive notes add complexity. Coombsville offers a spicy note and its deep, inky-purple color. Structurally, while the wine shows the density of hillside fruit from Mt. Veeder and Spring Mountain, it is further strengthened by the density of fruit from Rutherford, Oakville, and Coombsville. One of our richest offerings to date; the wine will age well for at least 10 years, yet offers a velvety texture that finishes with a juicy sweetness when enjoyed at release.
ALTAMURA 2006 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 750ml
ROBERT PARKER 96 POINTS
"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) possesses aromas of creme de cassis, white chocolate, espresso roast, dusty, loamy soil, and a full-bodied structure. With rich, powerful flavors that cascade over the palate as well as beautiful purity and depth, it will be even better with another 2-4 years of cellaring, and is capable of lasting 20-25 years."
"Frank Altamura and I agree on the fact that 90% of a wine’s quality comes from the vineyard, and the winemaker accounts for 10% of the finished product. This huge 400-acre ranch in the Wooden Valley, nine miles northeast of Napa, has 65 acres of hillside vineyards. One of the most under-the-radar wineries in all of Napa, Altamura’s Sangiovese makes a mockery of all the mediocre Sangioveses produced in California." -Robert M. Parker, Jr.
ARCHIPEL 2006 PROPRIETARY RED
SONOMA VALLEY / NAPA VALLEY 750ml
64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec.
Aged for 16 months in new French (76%) and new American (11%) barrels barrels, ripe aromas of cassis, black cherry and cedar open to background notes of black licorice and cocoa. The palate mirrors the aromas amidst a rich, firmly structured texture and lengthy finish. The 2006 Archipel is a superb accompaniment to grilled red meats, sausages, hearty stews and aged cheeses such as cheddar and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
KRISTINE ASHE 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"ENTRE NOUS" OAKVILLE 750mL
This is a gorgeous property located right off Highway 29 in Oakville. It vineyard architect is Dave Abreu, managed by Jim Barbour, and the wine is made by Philippe Melka (Lail, Gemstone).
Here's the skinny on this property. Over the winter and sping of 2010, we came across Kristine Ashe at several trade tastings. Everytime we sampled her wines, they were at the top of our lists. Heck, at the Oakville tasting, we felt her wine was better than Screaming Eagle! If that's not an endorsement, then don't bother reading any further!
This wine is both muscular and sensual, a classic Oakville cabernet. An intensely aromatic nose of rose petals and dark cherries opens into a supple palate characterized by a vibrant energy and a shimmering, luminescent quality. Vivid cassis and dark cherry meld with cocoa around a strong backbone of acidity and tannin while the fine wood notes broaden and harmonize across the mid-palate. Simultaneously powerful and delicate, the purity of this cabernet sauvignon shines with fresh radiance, finesse, and a lifted intensity. Only 75 cases produced!
AUGUST BRIGGS 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"MONTE ROSSO VINEYARD" SONOMA 750ml
The 2005 vintage represents August Briggs’ fifth release from the famous Monte Rosso Vineyard nestled in the majestic Mayacamas Mountain range, almost 1,000 feet above the Sonoma Valley floor. The “Monte Rosso” or “Red Mountain” vineyard is so named for its rich, red volcanic soils. , this steep and rugged mountain vineyard has a desirable western exposure that produce intense, powerful wines.
The 2005 August Briggs “Monte Rosso” Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep garnet color with inviting and complex aromas of oak, spice, and ripe fruit. On the palate, dense ripe fruit flavors of berries and plum mingle with vanilla, mocha and spice. Ample, but with well integrated tannins, the wine was barrel aged for 20 months (50% French, 50% American) prior to bottling. This wine is big and drinkable now, but will mellow and soften with time . Naturally, this is a steak wine - use accordingly. Less than 500 cases produced.
AVALON 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 750ml
A superb wine that demands your attention! This is a large scale production that definitely showcases the dual influences of the old vine and mountain grapes that comprise the core of this robust gem. All sorts of blackberry, black cherry and dark plum fruits coalesce to form a substantial palate presence that goes way beyond the price point!
Hints of sundry warm spice and coriander provide additional complexity! The wine’s classic lines carry a bit of structure enabling symbiotic food and wine pairing scenarios yet the lush, powerful fruit is simply irresistible in its own right as well. So don’t be afraid to tuck a couple of these away. All of the ingredients are in place for mid-term ageing.
The 2007 has a deep rich ruby color that is clear and bright. Smell for aromas of concentrated black cherry, toasty oak, caramel and cassis. The small addition of Merlot and Syrah lends additional plum, cherry tobacco, and blueberry nuances to the wine. Oak aging provides notes of nutmeg and cedar box while giving breadth and depth on the palate. The wine explodes with fruit in the mouth yet is balanced by the oak and has a nice lingering finish.
AVALON 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CALIFORNIA 750ml
With everyone feeling the pinch of the economy, value once again moves to the forefront with this wine! Sourced from sundry vineyards throughout Sonoma County, this little gem will make friends and influence people at a price that’s sure to make your pocketbook smile!
This lighter-styled Cabernet proffers a juicy, versatile palate. The wine leads off with a warm nose of cherry/berry, red currant fruit reiterated to the palate in conjunction with slight hints of cedar, boysenberry, sweet smoke and spice.
B CELLARS 2006 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
OAKVILLE NAPA VALLEY 750ml
The root of all greatness is in the fruit... and nothing is closer to this truism than the source of what makes this Cabernet
so spectacular. A trifecta of a pedigree – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, 100% Oakville appellation, 100% single vineyard
(Pelissa). This is a wine that first stops you in your proverbial tracks with streamlined and pungent aromatics of plum,
blackberry, bramble deliciously accented with cedar and dark cocoa. A richly contoured core of black cherry, cassis and
wild plum seamlessly intertwines with random interjections of cocoa, white pepper and graceful vanilla bean. An artfully
delineated, yet muscular palate force owes its great sophistication to a perfect balance of black fruit acidity and supple
tannins. A divinely rewarding Cabernet that is amazingly approachable now, but will continue its classic evolution for years
to come. And nothing else duplicates this experience, especially at the price! Limited. Only 395 cases produced.
BARLOW 2005 PROPRIETARY RED
"BARROUGE" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the out standing 2005 Barrouge boasts a fascinating array of aromas including ripe black fig, blackberry, cassis and mocha. The wine possesses a deep ruby/purple color, in addition the richly textured palate brings intense black fruit flavors and notes of vanilla, black currants, espresso roast and chocolate tones. Firmly structured and packed with layers of luxurious flavor, the wine features round tongue-coating tannins to provide a long savory finish.
BEAUCANON 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"LONGWOOD RANCH VINEYARD" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
Beaucanon's newest release showcases the growing maturity of the Longwood Ranch Vineyard. A small crop of tiny berries has given a wine with intensity and balance; a classic vintage! The solid garnet color of the wine shows off in heavy, tinted legs, indicating good extraction. The nose follows through with a bonanza of sweet, black fruit; berries, currants, licorice and secondary notes of spicy oak and dark earth. Take the first sip cautiously, as massive, mouth filling flavors of blackberry, cassis and brown baking spice might overwhelm! A light touch of acidity and a hint of sweet alcohol carries the flavors through a haze of chewy tannins that melt slowly into a minutes-long finish.
BENNETT LANE 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 750ml
Bennett Lane is on a fast track, which is where winery owner and NASCAR Team Leader Randy Lynch likes to be. Randy and his wife purchased the property and quickly garnering praise for their opulent reds (Napa Cabernet, "Maximus", and "Primus" Reserve Cabernet).
BERINGER 2002 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"ST. HELENA HOME VINEYARD" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
ROBERT PARKER 93 POINTS
"My favorite of the component parts is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard because of its extraordinarily pure creme de cassis character, big, sweet licorice, cedary, full-bodied opulence, and voluptuous personality. It’s always a fascinating education to taste through these component parts, but the resulting blend that Ed Sbragia puts together, the extraordinary Private Reserve, is one of the great Cabernet Sauvignons of California and he has fashioned a succession of beauties since 1991. In fact, there are two gorgeous ones in the market, the profound 2001 and the flamboyant, exotic 2002."
BERINGER 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"RIDGE TO RIDGE" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
This one of those wines that just makes you go, “WHOA!” At least that's what we did when we tasted this one-of-akind lot crafted by winemaster Ed Sbragia. Beringer is a winery that needs no introduction. One of the greatest “blue chip” properties in Napa Valley, Beringer has stood not only the test of time, but the test of ever-changing palates to demonstrate that no matter the current style, Beringer ALWAYS creates a Cabernet of breathtaking quality! Ed Sbragia has been making big mountain Cabs since the 1981 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. The big fruit flavors and unmistakable
intensity he gets from his mountain vineyards have also become a favorite of winemaker Laurie Hook. Their 2007 Premiere
Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2005 vintage connects “ridge to ridge” blending Marston Vineyard on the slopes of Spring
Mountain together with Bancroft Ranch and Steinhauer Ranch from Howell Mountain. Only 20 cases were produced of
this dark, powerful wine with glorious aromatics of currants, black cherries, plums, cocoa and sage. One sip greets you
with flavors of crème de cassis, blackberries, fantastic minerality and an enticing briary character. Loaded with firm but
sweet tannins, this is hard to resist now, but should age for over two decades!
BERINGER 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
KNIGHT'S VALLEY 750ml
The Knights Valley designation was first used on a Beringer label in 1974 and by 1983, this area was designated an official appalletion. Winemaker Laurie Hook notes, "Knights Valley is a very special place for us at Beringer. This wine captures that place with great intensity of black fruit aromas and flavors that continue to a long satisfying finish."
BERNARDUS 2004 PROPRIETARY RED
"MARINUS" CARMEL VALLEY 750ml
A fantastic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Merlot (31%), Cabernet Franc (7%), Malbec (3%), and Petit Verdot (1%)
Winemaker's Notes:
"Our 2004 Marinus exhibits a deep crimson color and appears nearly opaque. Aromas are redolent with ripe black plums and cherries accented by notes of spice and smoke with a hint of earth. The flavors of ripe red fruits and spice notes fill the palate. The texture is very full and rich with firm supporting tannins promising a long aging potential. The finish is very long with flavors that linger on and on. Can be enjoyed now, but will reward patient aging in a good cellar for many years to come."
BLACKJACK 2004 "HARMONIE" RED
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY 750ml
Cabernet Sauvignon, Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot all shine through. Layer upon layer of big, bold tarry black and blue fruit making the 2004 a little Right Bank-like and a little Left Bank-like. Elegant, nuances of black cherry are highlighted by espresso, black truffles, cassis, blueberries and the slightest hint of old fashioned black licorice. Drinking well already, tannins are there but not dominant. The 2004 Harmonie will drink well and be highly enjoyable for 10 or more years.
BLACKSTONE 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CALIFORNIA 750ml
The 2007 Blackstone Cabernet Sauvignon is complex, with aromatic layers of black cherry, plum, caramel and hints of spice. The wine is full-flavored and rich, with supple tannins. Mouth-filling fruit flavors of black cherry and licorice create a lingering finish. This hearty Cabernet is the perfect accompaniment to grilled beef tenderloin with baked potatoes. It is also delicious with lamb chops and even Coq au Vin.
BLANKIET 2004 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"PARADISE HILLS VINEYARD" NAPA VALLEY 750ml
ROBERT PARKER 96 POINTS
"There are 1,300 cases of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Paradise Hills Vineyard. Boasting delicious fudge-like aromas intermixed with blackberry, coffee bean, and pain grille scents, this super-rich, full-bodied effort displays a Graves-like, volcanic, scorched earth/hot stone element in its flavors. With moderately high tannin, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following two decades. Both 2004s have put on considerable weight and performed significantly stronger out of bottle than they did from cask."
BOGLE 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
CALIFORNIA 750ml
We feel that Bogle has one of the most solid wine portfolios in the business, and they prove that it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! The Bogle family has been farming since the mid 1800’s and their reputation has continued to grow. The fact that they want to sell wines that people can actually afford doesn’t hurt, either.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape that takes its own sweet time, slowly lingering to ripen on the vine. We are rewarded by its reluctance. Ripe cherries and vivid plums create a welcome first impression, while touches of earth tones and leather nestle themselves among the fruit. Sixteen months in American barrels have produced wisps of tobacco leaf and notes of spicy cigar box. With well-integrated tannins and a rich and round finish, this wine is sure to be a favorite.
BUCCELLA 2006 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY 750ml
The last vintage from winemaker Mark Herold. (Hestan, Kamen, Kobalt and Meyer)
WINE SPECTATOR 93 POINTS
"Tight, dense and concentrated, with a tight mix of wild and blackberry fruit that’s both powerful and restrained, slowly unfolding to offer spice, mineral, sage and iodine. The long, persistent finish is framed by trim tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017."
BUCCELLA 2007 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
"CUVEE KATRINA EILEEN" NAPA VALLEY 750mL
This is a special bottling from Buccella, one that is among the rarest wines out of Napa Valley! It is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Coombsville, Yountville, and Oak Knoll Districts of the Napa Valley. Whole berry fermented in small one-ton fermenters, aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Only 106 cases were produced!
