32 Wine Reviews Found

  • Aromatics: Tobacco
Sarah Francis Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III 2018
99 Points

Sarah Francis Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Georges III 2018

This velvety smooth Cabernet from Napa’s unanimously celebrated 2018 vintage is truly dazzling as it reminds us of Cult Cabernets such as Harlan or Shafer Hillside Select. The bouquet allures with notes of new leather, cigar box, and freshly ground espresso. Flashy and fun notes of brambleberries, black currant, cassis and Lindt dark chocolate waltz...

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97 Points

Elyse Cabernet Rutherford Napa Valley 2019

Wow, this super luscious red wine broods with aromas of dark chocolate, tobacco, crème de menthe, black currant, and blackberry. This crowd-pleaser is intensely satisfying to sip with its dense mouth-filling texture, robust tannic structure, and brilliant balance. We would normally recommend pairing this complex Cabernet with a bold meal such as a Ribeye, but...

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100 Points

Verite Le Desir 2019

This monumentally impressive Cabernet blend is built like a skyscraper, featuring towering levels of complex flavors now (after decanting) that promise to evolve gracefully over the next decade(s). We noted the intense graphite, cigar box, and savory baking spices reminiscent of favorite Bordeaux. Then, exuberant dark fruit (blackberry, plum) join the fun although tightly wound...

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97 Points

Caliza Cabernet Blend Companion 2019

The pedestrian descriptors ‘big and bold’ don’t do justice to this nearly opaque glass of red wine. Caliza’s ‘Companion’ Cabernet Blend is packed with dense dark fruits, savory herbs, and aromas of blackberry pie while maintaining a freshness reminiscent of a mountain Napa Cabernet. Fans of Rhone Style Reds and Cabernet Sauvignon will both delight...

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100 Points

DVO Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

The 2019 DVO (Dalla Valle Ornellaia) is a tour-de-force and wins our vote as ‘most likely to succeed’ new player on Napa’s Cult Cabernet scene!  2019 is only the second public release and is a proprietary blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, demonstrating how well these two grapes blend together when crafted by two brilliant...

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98 Points

Lindstrom Cabernet Sauvignon Stag’s Leap District 2019

This 2019 vintage Cabernet is a BIG, sexy tasting Napa gem delivering an intense, powerful experience guaranteed to impress with grilled meat menus. The bouquet and initial flavors are alluring with black cherry, pipe tobacco, and the tell-tale dark chocolate that Napa’s Stag’s Leap district always delivers. Opulent on the palate, featuring a plethora of...

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99 Points

TOR Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon 2019

TOR Beckstoffer To-Kalon 2019 is truly remarkable! We’ve had the good fortunate of judging the last 15 vintages of this coveted bottling and this new edition is our favorite since TOR’S legendary 2009 (our all-time favorite). Superb balance, tannins and sexy dark fruit meld together in a dazzling experience. The addition of 15%Cabernet Franc (highest...

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99 Points

TOR Cabernet Sauvignon Melanson 2018

TOR’s 2018 Cabernet Melanson Vineyard offers an enticing bouquet of fresh morning espresso and dark, fresh fruit tarts. Vibrant notes of black cherries, blackberries, violets and cedar with hints of lavender, chocolate truffles and pipe tobacco meld together brilliantly across a cashmere-like texture. This majestic, mountain fruit (across from Colgin Cellars and next to Continuum)...

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99 Points

Institution Cabernet Sauvignon Houyi Vineyard 2019

A true BLOCKBUSTER from this up-and-coming boutique winery. The alluring bouquet charms with blueberry liqueur, espresso, and pipe tobacco plus toasted oak. This regal wine launches forth with massive notes black forest cake, blue fruit, mocha, exotic spices, graphite and creamy vanilla extract. This is a deeply satisfying + FUN example of young Cabernet Sauvignon....

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97 Points

Rhys Pinot Noir Mt. Pajaro Vineyard 2017

This is a velvety smooth and sumptuous Pinot Noir with ample substance, full of juicy pomegranate, cranberry, hints of earthy truffles, potpourri and pipe tobacco. These flavors crescendo into notes of boysenberry, black tea and baking cocoa on the majestic finish. Effortlessly elegant and complex, this will provide enjoyment now and age gracefully for the...

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