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The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Shootout

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heart heart = Love at First Sip

Miro 2006 aCURE eSTATE Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $30.00: 180 cases produced
(96)

Male: Deep blood red in color. The rich nose of eucalyptus and cherries delivers luscious flavors of blackberry with mint accents. Love the mouthfeel on this opulent wine! Solid and complex.

Arns 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena, CA, $75.00: 600 cases produced
(95)

Male: Dark, deep aromas and flavors that are reminiscent of fruit compote. Young and tight now, but give it time and it’ll go on seemingly forever.

HALL 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $90.00: 794 cases produced
(95)

Male: Rose petals, sage and blackberry aromas in the glass. The palate is excellent lush and fruity. Great integration. A well made Cab. This is a must have!

Blue Rock Vineyard 2005 Blue Rock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $95.00: 74 cases produced
(94)

Male: Interesting aroma greets you. Sandalwood? Then blackberry on the nose. Full bodied, rich and balanced. Long finish. A keeper!

Hawk And Horse Vinyards 2006 Hawk And Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills AVA, $65.00: 195 cases produced
(94)

Male: Inviting nose with baking spice and black cherry. Juicy black cherry flavors. Youthful. The tannins are THERE!

Hidden Ridge 2004 Hidden Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $75.00: 985 cases produced
(94)

Male: The color is ruby from core through the rim. The nose shows some age with soy sauce, smoke and bramble. The palate is almost sweet with velvety tannins and nice acid. Chocolate and some soy suace on the finish. Smooth and very pleasing.

THE GRADE Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga District (pending), $80.00: 270 cases produced
(94)

Male: Cherry cola and oak on the nose. Rich and succulent berry flavors burst forward on the palate. The mid-palate is chewy. The finish is elegant and seamless.

Bernardus 2004 Cabernet Blend Estate Vineyard in Carmel Valley, CA, $36.00: 8609 cases produced
(93)

Male: This Cabernet blend is blood red in color. The nose emits sweet cassis and rich oaky aromas Spot on balance. The mid-palate is voluptuos, soft and luscious with a fairly tannic, classic finish.

Star Lane 2005 Star Lane Cabernet Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $42.00: 7000 cases produced
(93)

Male: Nice black fruit on the nose. The palate is lovely - silky and soft but there is intensity and staying power.

Latah Creek NV Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel Washington State, $19.99: 820 cases produced
(93)

Male: The wine is dark and brooding in the glass. Lavender and eucalyptus aromas. The palate is surprisingly soft and feminine. Silky. A crowd pleaser.

Owl Ridge Wines 2004 Brigden Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $48.00: 340 cases produced
(93)

Male: Dried cherries, a hint of mint and leather on the nose. The aromas are replicated on the palate with some added spice through the long finish. Some earthy notes add interest throughout. Very interesting.

Thumbprint Cellars 2006 Bordeaux Style Blend Dry Creek Valley, $43.00: 250 cases produced
(93)

Male: The nose is slightly muted with elements of blackberry, wet leaves and plum. The palate is surprisingly and pleasing intense. The flavors fill your mouth. The finish is soft and lovely.

Two Angels 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $27.99: 1507 cases produced
(93)

Male: Pleasant nose of crushed berries. Lovely soft tannins balance the blackberry and plum fruit. Enjoy this with grilled lamb chops.

Ecluse Wines Ensemble 2006 Bordeaux Blend Paso Robles, $38.00: 392 cases produced
(92)

Male: Aromas of mint, black pepper and a little tobacco. The opening is dense and rich and leads to an opulent mid-palate. Fairly tannic but not astringent, a good sign for aging potential. Medium weight with soft plum and tobacco flavors. Nicely balanced. A good wine!

Frank Family Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $45.00: 11170 cases produced
(92)

Male: This is a monster! Lots of fruit, lots of tannins. Coffee and dark fruit aromas and flavors. Give this baby time!

Hahn Estates 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Central Coast, $14.00: 11400 cases produced
(92)

Male: The nose entices you with crushed cranberries and nice floral notes. The wine is soft and lovely with some increased intensity mid-palate through the finish. Complex. Well made and well balanced.

Penley Estate 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra, South Australia, $50.00: 100 cases produced
(92)

Male: A lovely nose of crushed blackberry and rose petals. Nice dark red fruit, soft, smooth and balanced.

Kilikanoon 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, South Australia, $30.00: 500 cases produced
(92)

Male: Menthol and eucalyptus on the nose reminiscent of South Australia. Clare Valley wine? Blackberry and boysenberry fruit flavors with subtle oak accents, Firm tannins but the finish is seamless.

Sculpterra 2007 Frankel Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles AVA, $30.00: 835 cases produced
(92)

Male: The nose and palate are consistent and complex: oak, vanilla, toast, earth, cassis, and red & black cherry. Well balanced. Medium acid, medium plus tannins and body. Nice wine!

Windsor Oaks Vineyards 2005 Windsor Oaks Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, $35.00: 175 cases produced
(92)

Male: Mint, herbs and blackberry aromas with hints of spice, Broad black fruit flavors on opening through mid-palate where the tannins kick-in. The finish is tight. Should age well.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Wilyabrup Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River, Western Australia, $40.00: 500 cases produced
(91)

Male: Big blueberry and lavender aromas in the glass. Black cherry with smoky elements and a stone-like minerality in the mouth. Lingering tannins through the finish. Great wine with a rare grilled steak.

Arrowood 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $50.00: 7530 cases produced
(91)

Male: This wine is built for enjoyment. The nose is a balanced cornucopia of scents - cherry, raspberry and blackberry all working together. Delightfully balanced wine, plush and complex.

Grampa Moses Vineyards 2005 Grampa Moses Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $40.00: 210 cases produced
(91)

Male: Restrained nose that opens slowly to cherries and spice. The aromas repeat on the lovely palate. The finish is velvety.

Kenefick Ranch 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $60.00: 750 cases produced
(91)

Male: Big and ripe. Intense but balanced. This one has a long life.

L'Aventure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $80.00: 500 cases produced
(91)

Male: Pronounced dark berry and root berry/cola aromas come through on the palate with very chalky, mouth coating tannins. There is generous fruit concentration and a long, spicy finish. Very nice, bold style.

Larson Family Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $50.00: 500 cases produced
(91)

Male: Aromas of smoke, lavender, rosemary, blueberry and blackberry waft fromt he glass. Delicious dark fruit flavors solidly integrated with the oak and grape tannins. The finish is soft and long.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery 2006 View Forever Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sierra Foothills, $26.00: 272 cases produced
(91)

Male: Ripe strawberry, raspberry,blackberry preserves with light hints of oak in the glass. Good dark fruit and ripe cherry in the mouth with a nice balance of tannin, fruit and acid. A nice wine showing good aging potential.

Amapola Creek Vineyards & Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $100.00: 400 cases produced
(90)

Male: Pronounced cassis and clove on the nose and palate. Grippy tannins with generous fruit concentration. Balanced acid on the long and spicy finish. Very nice even if it's a tad hot.

Francis Coppola Reserve 2006 Sam's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $46.00
(90)

Male: Dark berry and root aromas lead to richly concentrated blackberry, creme and vanilla flavors. The tannins are chalky. Balanced with a long finish. Enjoyable, alluring, very rich. A sweet and extracted style.

Holloway Cellars 2005 Beckstoffer Cabernet 85%cab,5% each cab franc,petite verdot, malbec Red Hills Appelation, $50.00: 268 cases produced
(90)

Male: Dark berry and dill aromas that come through onto the palate where they are joined by black olives notes. Great fruit concentration with balanced acidity and a long finish. Intriguing and delightful.

Lionheart Wines 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $55.00: 37 cases produced
(90)

Male: Blackberry, leather and a bit of black currant on the nose and in the mouth. There is a bit of cinnamon that shows mid-palate through the finish. Firm structure. Nicely made. Will benefit from another 3-5 years of bottle aging.

Orsianna 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino, $19.95: 600 cases produced
(90)

Male: Eucalyptus on the nose is overwhelming at first but blows off and red fruit comes on. Red currant, cherry and the quieter rendidtion of the eucalyptus show on the palate. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a firm structure with fine acidity and smooth tannins. The finish is fruity and extraordinarily long.

Temple Family Vineyards 2005 Lakespring Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, $48.00: 600 cases produced
(90)

Male: The nose is complex showing violets, dark berry, red licorice, eucalyptus, tar, vanilla, and oak. Sour cherry dominates the palate with good acid, menium tannin and balanced oak. Nice complexity throughout.

Tres Sabores 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $64.00: 200 cases produced
(90)

Male: Pronounced cassis and vanilla aromas come through generously on the palate. Wonderful mouthfeel. Fine grained tannins. The lively, well balanced acids make for a long finish.

Watkins Family Winery 2005 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $45.00: 480 cases produced
(90)

Male: Cherry, berry and vanilla aromas and flavors. Inviting. This Cabernet Sauvignon has a generous concentration of mouthwatering fruit and soft tannins. A well made wine with great potential.

Watkins Family Winery 2005 Nuns Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Mayacamas Mountains, $38.00: 270 cases produced
(90)

Male: Dark blackberry aromas open to a soundly structured wine with rich deep berry flavors. Well balanced and complex with medioum tannins on the finish.

heart heart = An Affair to Remember

Star Lane 2005 Star Lane Cabernet Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $80.00: 1000 cases produced
(89)

Male: Nice ripe fruit with loads of blueberry, cassis, black cherry pie, vanilla, and oak on the nose. Big tannins surround the cherry flavors coating the mouth. The fruit is dominant. The oak plays a healthy role in this complex wine especially on the long finish.

Ecluse Wines 2005 Lock Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $59.00: 107 cases produced
(89)

Male: The color is a nice ruby with a dark core and purple rim. The nose is complex and elegant showing cassis, cola, cherry, blackberry, smoke, chocolate, vanilla, and spice. The palate displays ripe fruit with mouthcoating tannins that are nicely balanced by acid. The alcohol shows through on the long intense finish.

Cullen 2004 Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River, Western Australia, $75.00: 100 cases produced
(89)

Male: There is a sweetness and ripeness here that is Napa-esque, but is it? Menthol, some floral notes and very ripe dark fruit aromas. Black fruit flavors on the palate. The tannins are big, firm and young. Needs time.

James Judd & Son Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $24.00: 928 cases produced
(89)

Male: The subdued cherry-berry nose is deceptive. The palate practically explodes with cherry-strawberry fruit. There are red apple and cinnamon notes on the finish. Soft tannin. Crisp acid. A lovely wine.

Kenefick Ranch 2005 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley, $52.00: 556 cases produced
(89)

Male: Plums and floral notes in the glass. Dark fruit with cocoa and leather in the mouth. The tannins are starting to round out. Nice wine.

McNab Ridge 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino, $40.00: 156 cases produced
(89)

Male: Fine nose with an even better palate of well balanced blackberry flavors enhanced with hints of light oak. Lingering finish.

O'Brien Estate 2006 O'Brien Estate Vineyard Bordeaux Blend Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, $45.00: 2500 cases produced
(89)

Male: Black currant jelly with some minerally notes in the nose. A hint of coconut wafts in as the wine opens. Sillky and elegant. Medium weight with dark fruit, restrained baking spice and darjeeling tea on the palate through the finish.

Opolo Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $30.00: 1798 cases produced
(89)

Male: Aromas of ripe cherries and green peppers. Sweet and huge berry fruit flavors. The tannins are big at first but soften after opening. Nice wine.

Peterson Winery 2005 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $35.00: 250 cases produced
(89)

Male: Spicy blackberry aromas lead to rich blackberry fruit flavors on the palate. Nicely integrated tannins. A well balanced wine with a lovely cedary finish.

Peterson Winery 2006 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $35.00: 550 cases produced
(89)

Male: Subtlety and complexity in the nose with earth and fruit tones. The wine comes to life in the mouth with just the right amount of acidity. A very thoughtful Cab. Nice!

Ty Caton Vineyards 2006 Ty Caton Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $42.00: 468 cases produced
(89)

Male: Plum aromas open to a delicious palate of crushed berry fruit flavors. Velvety tannins with sweet oak on the finish.

Woop Woop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia, $12.00: 10000 cases produced
(89)

Male: The nose feels like an autumn day - familiar, comfortable and protective. Nothing about it is out of the comfort zone. This is a good solid wine, not aggressive nor unforgettable, Exactly what you want for a great wine to share with great friends.

Alexander School Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $35.00: 500 cases produced
(88)

Male: Cassis and bramble aromas come proceed through onto the palate highlighted by a minerally vanilla quality. Good fruit concentration, fine grained tannins and a somewhat spicy finish.

Bray Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Shenandoah Valley of CA, $25.00: 60 cases produced
(88)

Male: The nose is earthy with mushroom and dark berry notes. The flavors are ripe, raspberry and cherry cola. Good tannin structure.

Forth 2007 Cabernet sauvignon Dry Creek, $25.00: 1505 cases produced
(88)

Male: Deep garnet in color. Sweet cherry and black fruit wafts from the glass. Pure cabernet flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and plums. Full bodied with fine tannins. An age worthy and seamless wine.

Director's Cut 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $29.00
(88)

Male: Soft warm spice and black fruit aromas replicate on the palate where they are joined by spiced cranberry and plum flavors. Nicely proportioned.

Cabernet Blanc 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon American, $14.95: 900 cases produced
(88)

Male: Strawberry and violet aromas and flavors. Very fruity. A blush wine. Like this as a dessert wine. Strawberry tart anyone?

d'Arenberg 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale, South Australia, $19.00: 1000 cases produced
(88)

Male: Black fruit compote aromas enhanced by smoke, vanilla and cinnamon. The palate is rich with generous fruit and gripping tannins. Pleasant acid. Well made.

kukkula 2006 Red Blend Paso Robles, $24.00: 110 cases produced
(88)

Male: Some heat on the nose, then blackberry, tar and licorice aromas. Juicy in the mouth. Deep, cpmplex with sweet fruit showing in the middle. A youthful wine. Enjoy it with a cheeseburger.

Kukkula i.p.o. 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $20.00: 390 cases produced
(88)

Male: The nose is clean with developing aromas of cedar. earth, spice, coffee, and cherry. Flavors of plum, cedar, sour cherry, and some tart cranberry notes. There is definitely some alcohol on the palate. The finish is fairly complex. Balanced.

Collins Estate Reserve 2007 Collins Vineyard Red Blend Russian River Valley, $52.00: 100 cases produced
(88)

Male: Pronounced blackberry and cola aromas come through onto the palate. Grippy tannins, bright acidity and medium length on the finish. Medium bodied wine.

Neal Family Vineyards 2004 One Lane Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder Napa Valley, $90.00: 194 cases produced
(88)

Male: The nose is classic Cabernet, dark rich fruit with oak accents. Rounded on the palate with firm tannins and strong finish.

Parker Family Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $49.00: 400 cases produced
(88)

Male: Very youthful Cabernet. The nose is reticent but opens to some nice fruit with coffee and spice notes on the nose and palate. The finish is long with touches of licorice.

Pedroncelli 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $15.00: 8000 cases produced
(88)

Male: Complex nose of black and red currant, vanilla, oak, and red cherry. The aromas replicate on the palate with the addition of some black cherry. Medium body, acids and tannins. The finish is dry and displays a touch of green.

Pedroncelli 2006 Morris Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $20.00: 1000 cases produced
(88)

Male: The color is rich and looks like burgundy velvet. Rose petals on the nose. Soft lovely fruit. Simple and straight forward.

R&B Cellars 2004 Bingham Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $65.00: 650 cases produced
(88)

Male: The soft and supple nose is loaded with ripe currant and soft cedar. Soft fruit flavors in the mouth. Nicely balanced. Well made wine.

Red Newt Cellars 2007 Glacier Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes, $38.99: 120 cases produced
(88)

Male: A pretty wine. Black cherry, vanilla and toast aromas and flavors. Nicely balanced.

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California, $50.00: 3141 cases produced
(88)

Male: Red and black fruit on the nose. red and black fruit flavors, a bit dusty but nice acid comes in on the finish.

Swanson Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, $75.00: 2361 cases produced
(88)

Male: Cassis and clove replicate on the palate. At first there is a green note that joins in then opens to darker fruit and smoke. Grippy tannins enhance the fruit concentration. The finish is spicy and long.

Vina Robles 2006 Huerhuero Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $22.00: 4269 cases produced
(88)

Male: The nose is faint with a touch of boysenberry, This medium bodied wine has velvety tannins. The well integrated flavors are predominantly blackberry, cedar and oak. Well balanced.

Heartland 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, $15.00: 5000 cases produced
(88)

Male: Pronounced eucalyptus, dill, red and black currant aromas - smells like Austalia, perhaps, Coonawarra. Nice mouthfeel. The long finish starts out nicely but the ending is less desirable.

Three Saints 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $25.00: 5000 cases produced
(87)

Male: The palate is bold and luscious. The finish is strong and lasting.

Roundhouse 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $15.99: 1000 cases produced
(87)

Male: Subtle pomegranate at first opening to rich plum and dark berry aromas carrying through onto the palate. The finish is soft. A simple but enjoyable wine.

Lucas & Lewellen 2005 Valley View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley, $27.00: 1229 cases produced
(87)

Male: Pronounced berry fruit with some earthy, barnyard notes in the nose and carry through onto the palate, Nice brightness and concentration in the mouth with a long, beautiful finish.

Seduction 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Blend Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, $45.00: 2500 cases produced
(87)

Male: Black cherry, sweet oak, wild mushrooms accented by eucalyptus notes in the glass. Light red fruit on entry opening mid to deep dark fruit. Oak spice shows on the finish. Needs time to mature.

R&B Cellars 2005 Bingham Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $65.00: 11000 cases produced
(87)

Male: The nose is floral with rose and violet over red fruit and a hint of oak. Chewy fruit on the palate with floral, red fruit and oak through the finish.

RN ESTATE 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Paso Robles, $45.00: 170 cases produced
(87)

Male: Well balanced with black cherry and spiced cider throughout.

Watts 2004 Watts Vineyards Cabernet Franc Lodi, $40.00: 168 cases produced
(87)

Male: The Cabernet Franc aromas of violets and dark fruit rise from the glass. Juicy blue and black fruit flavors entry through mid palate joined by some nice spice and mocha notes on the finish. Nice!

Windsor Oaks Vineyards 2006 Windsor Oaks Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, $35.00: 180 cases produced
(87)

Male: Black plums with a hint of chocolate in the nose and in the mouth. Firm structure, good acidity and a long finish. The wine is not terribly complex but it has the structure to age for 8-10 years. Shows potential to get more interesting as it matures. Lay this one down for at least a few years.

Ecluse Wines 2006 Lock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $28.00: 259 cases produced
(86)

Male: Simple and easy to drink. Very ripe red and black fruit. Balanced.

Eos Estate Winery 2006 Caberbet Sauvingnon Paso Robles, $18.00: 12000 cases produced
(86)

Male: The nose is a bit reticent but then opens to red fruit. Soft tannins. Tumbler quaffable.

Forth 2005 Rebecca's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek, $38.00: 205 cases produced
(86)

Male: Mint and blackberry on the nose. The fruit is hidden by the tannins. A shame because there is pretty fruit underneath. Should evolve in time.

Huntington 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California, $14.00: 3000 cases produced
(86)

Male: Dark berry fruit aromas deliver the same onto the palate with boysenberry creme notes. Chalky tannins, good fruit concentration and a long finish with a touch of heat.

Lucas & Lewellen 2005 Valley View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley, $32.00: 740 cases produced
(86)

Male: Mushrooms, black cherry and vanilla in the glass opens to cherry cola flavors on the palate. Enjoy with pasta with red sauce.

Watts 2003 Los Robles Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clements Hills, $20.00: 450 cases produced
(86)

Male: This baby has some tannin but lots of fruit to carry the day. This should age well. Jammy red and black fruit with minty flavors on the palate.

Woop Woop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia: McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, $11.99: 6000 cases produced
(86)

Male: Easy to drink and enjoy. Lots of berry aromas and flavors.

Buttonwood 2005 Cabernet Franc Santa Ynez Valley, $18.00: 197 cases produced
(85)

Male: Earthy and floral notes on the nose. Pleasant red fruit with nice acid in the mouth.

Penley Estate 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra, South Australia, $20.00: 1500 cases produced
(85)

Male: Ripe black currant and spice aromas. There is some alcohol here. The flavors show sweet fruit - mostly black cherry. Tannins are prominent.

Kilikanoon 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, South Australia, $20.00: 1000 cases produced
(85)

Male: Dark cherry aromas and flavors accented by mint thoroughout. Not complex but well made.

Red Newt Cellars 2007 Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes, $19.99: 288 cases produced
(85)

Male: Pleasant lighter style of Cabernet Franc.

THE GRADE 2004 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (Calistoga District - pending), $80.00: 240 cases produced
(85)

Male: Earth and brown spice aromas with moderate black cherry flavors. Black tea on the tannic finish.

Bianchi Signature Selection 2005 Central and Western Paso Robles Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $26.00
(84)

Male: Floral notes and red fruit on the nose. Red fruit - cherry and raspberry in the mouth. Simple and easy to drink.

Barefoot Cellars NV Cabernet Sauvignon California, $6.99: 357000 cases produced
(84)

Male: Aromatics of fresh cherry jam that carry through onto the palate. An everyday wine to enjoy with burgers.

Cabernet Trois 2007 Cabernet Blend American, $18.95: 450 cases produced
(84)

Male: Youthful. Bright cherry and cherry tobacco aromas going to puckery cherry in the mouth.

Buttonwood 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley, $24.00: 391 cases produced
(83)

Male: Cherry cola aromas of cola and dark cherry with lighter red fruit flavors deepening to darker fruit on the finish.

A Cellar Full of Noise 2005 San Miguel Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $14.99: 1380 cases produced
(83)

Male: I wouldn't peg this as Cabernet Sauvignon in a blind tasting but it is a very nice red wine. A pizza or burger wine for sure.

Thumbprint Cellars 2006 Andolsen Top Block Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $49.00: 250 cases produced
(83)

Male: Dark spice notes on the nose. Lots of barrel elements here. Needs time in bottle. There apprears to be enough fruit to have this all intergrate but it's incredibly youthful now.

Grape Creek Vineyards 2006 Bordeaux Blend American, $36.95: 250 cases produced
(81)

Male: Lots of fruit here.

Zenaida Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $25.00: 300 cases produced
(81)

Male: This is a big wine! If you like big, high alcohol Zins, you'll love this Cabernet. My personal take, is that the high alcohol overpowers the potentially lovely fruit.