Recent WINE Reviews:
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Vitus 
2006 Merlot (Napa Valley)
  92 

    This is the closest Merlot to a Cab I have ever tasted!  Dark, rich color with pleasant dark fruit and chocolate and vanilla on the nose.  If you taste this Merlot blind, you will also be convinced that your are drinking a Cabernet Sauvignon with its full body and well-balanced tannins.  The finish is long and memorable with the chocolate notes lingering for some time. 
    I would be proud to serve this Merlot at any dinner party or as a stand-alone sipping wine.
Retail:  $45.00
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Madrigal Vineyards
2005 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
  93 

    Madrigal Vineyards, located in the northern section of Napa Valley near Calistoga, make several varieties of red wine, but the Petite Sirah is the wine they are still most known for locally. Napa natives have a passion for the big bold fruit Petite Sirah offers but it is hard to find a great one.  Madrigal does it year after year!
    The 2005 version continues the tradition with "a dense, jam-packed nose of cherry/berry and an opaque purple black color. It is packed with rich ripe fruit and detailed flavors with tame, juicy tannins and roundness through the finish." In summary, it is big, bold, and exuberant!  Full bodied, balanced with all the bold character one seeks in a solid Petite Sirah. Best with spicy sweet barbecued meats. There were only a limited number of cases produced.  It is sure to sell out fast!
    Winery price: $35.00.
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Roberts + Rogers on Howell Mountain
2004 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  94
      As with all Howell Mountain Cabs, this one will need a little time to mature and come into full balance but it is a sure winner. While I tasted this wine during a  Howell Mountain winery tasting with numerous other wines, this one stood out with its rich, ripe fruit and and concentration of flavors. It has a deep red color with  black cherry, plum and blackberry aromas on the nose.  There is a nice balance of fruit and tannins with a predominance of the blackberry. The wine is intense and the tannins are pleasingly velvety and long through the finish.
       This was the inaugural vintage for Roberts+Rogers and they have hit a home run!
Winery price:  $75.00
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Palmaz Vineyards 
2005 "Gaston" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  93
     When you taste this Cab you know you are in Napa Valley!  The nose shows a pleasing mixture of dust and ripe berries.  It is well-balanced with rich fruit and surprisingly soft, yet bold, tannins that reveal the structure but not distract from the enjoyment of the wine. The finish is long, intense and memorable.
     This wine is drinkable now but will age nicely for 12-15 years.
Winery price:  $150.00
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Bourassa Vineyards 
2005 Petite Verdot (Napa Valley)
  90
     An intriguing version of Napa Valley's answer to this Bordeaux varietal.  Right off the bat I was pleased with the dark purple color, floral and spice aromas, and rich, ripe dark berry flavors that followed.  These grapes were picked at the right time to produce a well structured wine that would be wasted in blending.  It is a beautiful wine for sipping or with prime rib or rich and spicy pasta.
Winery price: $49.00.
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Jessup Cellars
2005 Zinfandel (Napa Valley)
  90
     This is an amazing Napa Valley Zin that has just the right balance of fruit and tannins for enjoyment now.  It is well structured and show cellar longer than most Zinfandels from the Napa Valley.
Retail: $35.00
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Bennett Lane
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon(Napa Valley)
  90
     The aromas of  cherries and mixed floral indicate a light flavor.  However, on the palate the wine has a pleasant mouthfeel with flavors of black cherry and plum and balanced tannins.  The secret is to sip the wine slowly which will lead to a full velvety finish.
Retail:  $55.00
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Conn Creek
2004 Anthology Blend (Napa Valley)
  90
     This Bordeaux-style blend creates a sense of excitment with the first sip.  The nose is a bit off (at this time) but the aromas of red and black fruit are evident.  The blend is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon,19% Cabernet Franc,6% Merlot,5% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot.  The wine is very pleasing to the palate with, as the winemaker describes, "... nuanced expressions of creamy oak and berry cobbler."  It is truly and elegant and robust wine with well-balanced silky tannins.
Retail: $50.00
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Groth Vineyards
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  91 

        If you enjoy a big, bold Cab - this one will make you happy. It comes from the Oakville Appellation and is lush with significant fruit and pleasing gentle tannins. The black cherry and blackberry flavors show through with an elegant style. The 83% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Merlots make a perfect blend for this vintage.  The wine is approachable now, especially with meat, but should cellar well for 12-15 years.
Retail: $60.00
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Baldacci Vineyards
2005 Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  90

       This "Black Label" Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The integrated aromas are complex and meld together nicely. The  deep, dark color gives a preview of plum, leather, fig and chocolate flavors that linger on the palate for an smooth and lasting finish. The complexity and balance of this wine makes it enjoyable now, but should lay down for several years to come.
Retail: $65.00

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Trespass Vineyards
2006 "Rendevous" Blend (Napa Valley)
  91 

       This small production winery puts out some phenominal wines with the "Rendevous" at the top of the list.  This delicate blend of 50% Cabernet Franc, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon shows plenty of ripe red fruit.  Cherry and  raspberry aromas shine through nicely.  The palate is rewarded with an interesting mix of cherry, strawberry, and blackberry.  The tannins are present but not overpowering allowing a long and smooth finish. Winery price: $45.00 approx.

The 2005 Cab is also worth a serious taste at $58.00.
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Goosecross Cellars
2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  90 

       They just continue to produce a top-notch Howell Mountain Cab year after year - The 2005 vintage is no exception. First glance reveals rich, deep and dark color.  The aromas are perfumed with black plum, cherry, and anise. The palate is rewarded with flavors of black cherry, cedar, and dark chocolate that lead to a pleasing, long-lasting finish with well-integrated tannins.

      Be sure to visit their tasting room which is off the beaten path just off the Yountville Crossroad on State Lane.  Jose will make the experience most enjoyable!
Winery price:  $69.00
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Sequoia Grove
2004 Rutherfod Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  92
     Truthfully, I could not improve on the words from their own website, as follows:
       "Deep, dark red in color, the intensity of the color immediately gets your attention.  The first sniff on the nose brings many rich layers, starting with cinnamon, and quickly leading into an intriguing character that can only be described as Rutherford dust.  More aromas of fresh, sun drenched blackberries, cocoa powder, and vanilla and more hard to describe characters such as fresh cranberry sauce and a hint of licorice and pencil lead.  
        The first sip explodes on your palate and coats your tongue again with blackberry and cranberry flavor which give way to more restrained notes of black pepper and cigar box with a finish that lingers on and on.  This wine will probably last longer on your tongue than it does in the tasting room, so get it now!"
        I totally agree.
Winery price:  $60.00
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Hope & Grace Vineyards
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  91
     This Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the St. Helena Appellation and is true to the fine wines produced from that area. The wine shows Intense aromas of chocolate, dark berries, and spice. The plum and cherry flavors please the mid-palate and the finish is long and rewarding. It will only improve as it ages with "grace."
Winery price:  $48.00
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Ardiri
2006 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
  90 

        If you love high quality California Pinot Noir, this one is for you!  Its home is Carneros but, unbelievably, it is fermented and bottled in Oregon – the only Pinot Noir in the world with such a creative combination. The result is a premium Pinot Noir that is beautifully balanced and totally pleasing to the palate. The 2006 Pinot Noir is the inaugural vintage of a wine whose reputation will spread as the years go by. 
        In the glass the color is rich ruby red and although unfiltered and unfined, it is bright and crisp. The nose is immediately rewarded with complex fragrances of cherry and ripe berries. The graceful aging for 10 months in heavy toast French oak, creates a mouth feel that can only be described as “elegant and silky.”  The tannins are not overpowering and allow the spiced cherries and ripe fruit flavors to shine through.  The finish is long and rewarding to the senses with ripe cherry, strawberry and spice. 
       This Pinot Noir is exceptional with grilled salmon, lamb shank, roasted chicken, pheasant, prime rib, and roasted duck.  It also pairs nicely with medium-flavored cheeses. This wine does not require food for enjoyment; simply allow a decanter to mellow it out for a short time and sip with pleasure. 
       For the price, this is a wine of exceptional quality and value.  There were less than 600 cases produced.  If you can find it – buy it now! 
Retail:  $45.00
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Sonoma Vineyards
2007 Syrah (Sonoma County)
  88 

     I love a great Syrah that is beeming with rich, ripe flavors that make you sit back and say "Yum!"  This one fits the bill.
     Right away, the aromas of ripe plum and blueberry dominate the nose and set the tone for what is about to be experienced. The flavors of rich and silky blackberry jam, with just the right amount of spice, carry through to a long and satisfying finish.  For the price, it is unbelievable as you think you are tasting a wine that is twice the price.  Overall, a great Syrah experience that doesn't break the bank.
Suggested retail:  $15.00
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Amici Cellars
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  90


    Amici Cellars continues to produce some of the finest Pinot Noir (Mendocino) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California has to offer.  Winemaker Jeff Hansen has a knack for consistency and quality in these great wines.
    This is a Cabernet Sauvignon to be savoured with slow sips to make the enjoyment last as long as possible. The palate is greeted with smooth, soft tannins and lush flavors of blackberries, vanilla and spices. The oak is not overpowering and allows the fruit to show through nicely.  The finish is long with pleasing hints of chocolate. In summary, it is a rich and aromatic wine that should cellar nicely for the next 10 years.  This is a “must buy.”
Winery price:  $39.00
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Melville
2006"Vern's" Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
  87 


    Melville Vineyards is located in Santa Barbara County and in the Santa Rita Hills.  A visit to the winery is pleasant with a well-designed tasting room and knowledgeable staff.  We tasted 6 wines;two that are widely available on the market, both were pleasing to the palate. Their tasting notes are, however, misleading because of the added descriptors that are meant to be cute.  Such phrases as jicama,saltwater taffy, seashell and Italian parsley are not words I would choose to describe Chardonnay.  They claim their staff combines all of their notes onto the tasting sheets.  While such descriptors, including asphalt, wet leather, and charcoaled meats used to describe their Syrah are meant to be in jest, they do not do justice to wines of this high quality.
    Now, for the Chardonnay that is being reviewed here, it was yellow-gold in color, with rich citrus fruit on the nose. The wine is crisp,fresh and very palatable with honey, apricot, and green apple with a nice firm finish. It is likely this Chardonnay will develop nicely in the bottle and is highly recommended.
Winery price:  $24.00
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Schrader Vineyards

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
  88


    Schrader Vineyards is located in the southern end of the Napa Valley adjacent to the Stag's Leap District.  The soils are hardy and perfect for growing top-level Cabernet Sauvignon.
    I tasted the 2005 Cab that may not have just been released.  The label features original artwork that was painted by winery owner, Dr. Mark Schrader. It is a refreshing look that immediately catches the eye.
    The Cab is bold, rich and full of character. On the nose, the first impression is that it is hot.  That will mellow with some aging.  The color is rich, deep garnet that signals a rich and robust wine. The look is almost as if the wine is unfiltered.  The flavors include cherry, blackberry, and a hint of tobacco.
    Overall, I liked the wine very much.  It has extremely promising potential and will be ready for sipping without food in a couple of years.
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Madrigal Vineyards
2004 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
  93 


    Madrigal Vineyards, located in the northern section of Napa Valley near Calistoga, make several varieties of red wine, but the Petite Sirah is the wine they are still most known for locally. Napa natives have a passion for the big bold fruit Petite Sirah offers but it is hard to find a great one.  Madrigal does it year after year.
    The 2003 version continues the tradition with "a dense, jam-packed nose of cherry/berry and an opaque purple black color. It is packed with rich ripe fruit and detailed flavors with tame, juicy tannins and roundness through the finish." Full bodied, balanced with all the bold character one seeks in a solid Petite Sirah. Best with spicy sweet barbecued meats. There were only 1700 cases produced.  It is sure to sell out fast!
    The price tag is around $36.00.
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Talbott
2003"Diamond T" Chardonnay (Monterey County)
  89

    Talbott Vineyards has a long and solid reputation as Monterey County's premier Chardonnay house.  Their style is easy to recognize and was described by Wine Spectator as "...super rich, opulent and concentrated..."
    The 2003 "Diamond T" Chardonnay is ripe with flavors of pineapple, citrus and ripe pears that coat the palate, giving it an exotic and plush texture. The minerals and oak shine through nicely resembling the finest grand crus of Burgundy. That is perhaps because the vines are clones from the Corton-Charlemagne Chardonnay that were planted in the early 1980's. It is an elegant Chardonnay that will cellar well for years to come. In summary, it is "a masterpiece in complexity and an overall powerful wine."
    My only previous tasting was the 2001 Chardonnay that left me wanting more.  That vintage was high in acid and needed more time in the cellar.  The 2003 is head and shoulders above that, and as a matter of fact, most other Chardonnays I have tasted in recent months.
    The price tag is around $60.00.
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Baily
2003 Cabernet Franc (Temecula)
  86

    Perhaps one of the top five California grown Cabernet Franc I've tasted in recent years. Yet, it lacks the structure of those from the Napa Valley. It is barrel aged in European oak for two years. The wine is tempting on the nose and has aromas of black cherry and vanilla. It will pair well with rack of lamb, roast beef, or sharp cheeses.
    Retails for around $32.00 at the winery.
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Coming Soon:
Wines reviewed in May 2009
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I welcome your comments at nelson@wineguyreviews.com

 

Visit http://www.top100cabs.com/  Coming in September 2009 - Be there!

  

 

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The Wine Guy
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