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The 2009 Cabernet Shootout...
A Wine Challenge

Women Judges Results

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heart heart = Love at First Sip

R&B Cellars 2004 Bingham Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $65.00: 650 cases produced
(96)

Female: Yummy! Mocha aromas jump from the glass inviting you to enjoy the gentle red fruit flavors enhanced by brown baking spice and vanilla notes. A well balanced wine with nicely developed tannins. Lovely with lamb. The women panelists loved this wine.

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

Female: The nose is enticing predicting a wine wine of depth. The palate is not disappointed. Young, balanced and elegant. This wine will develop over the next 5-7 years and then...watch out. This baby will to bring you enjoyment for a long time.

Arrowood 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $50.00: 7530 cases produced
(95)

Female: Complex and intriguing aromas on the nose - cotton candy, chocolate, mint, and tarragon. The palate is rich and juicy with ripe fruit and an exciting sarsaparilla note. Lovely texture, vibrant acid and the right amount of tannin make this a winner.

Three Saints 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $25.00: 5000 cases produced
(95)

Female: Great texture on this wine. On the enjoyable palate, there are deep fruit flavors enhanced with vanilla notes from the oak treatment. High acidity and tannin are in balance with the big fruit. Cellar this one for full enjoyment.

Lucas & Lewellen 2005 Valley View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley, $27.00: 1229 cases produced
(95)

Female: Enjoy with a filet wrapped in bacon with aged gouda butter. The nose is creamy, with vanilla. light baking spice and pepper. Delicious. The finish is smooth and long. Yum!

Thumbprint Cellars 2006 Bordeaux Style Blend Dry Creek Valley, $43.00: 250 cases produced
(95)

Female: Deep color in the glass. Rich dark cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate, and vanilla aromas emanate from the glass. The palate is consistent with the nose and is smooth, round and full. Yummy with duck breast drizzled with blackberry sauce.

Windsor Oaks Vineyards 2005 Windsor Oaks Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, $35.00: 175 cases produced
(95)

Female: Inky in color. This is a very masculine wine - dark, deep and dry. The mouthfeel is satiny through mid-palate. Tannins join in and carry through the finish. This could be "red velvet" with maturity.

Ecluse Wines Ensemble 2006 Bordeaux Blend Paso Robles, $38.00: 392 cases produced
(94)

Female: Plum, cocoa and ripe berry aromas and flavors. The wine is well balanced. The mouthfeel is soft. A perfect complement to a rib eye with fresh plum sauce, sauteed mushrooms and sweet onions. Yum!

Huntington 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon California, $14.00: 3000 cases produced
(94)

Female: Possibilities in the nose with lots of cigar and baked cherry are delivered on the palate. Lovely, full and generous fruit and sweet oak. Root beer notes on the soft, nice, long finish. Duck seasoned with Five-spice powder should pair perfectly.

HALL 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $90.00: 794 cases produced
(94)

Female: Lots of vanilla and ripe dark fruit aromas deliver a layered palate with coffee, dark fruit and marmalade. Unique and enticing. Fruit, acid and tannins are beautifully balanced.

Watkins Family Winery 2005 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $45.00: 480 cases produced
(94)

Female: Brooding aromas of dark cherry, campfire and cocoa lead to big dark berry flavors highlighted by chocolate, tobacco and olive notes. Licorice on the intriguing finish of this well made wine. Pair with a grilled rosemary steak.

Ecluse Wines 2005 Lock Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $59.00: 107 cases produced
(93)

Female: Delicious! Ripe juicy fruit with hints of spice and mint. Cedar notes on the finish. Everything is in balance.

Hidden Ridge 2004 Hidden Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $75.00: 985 cases produced
(93)

Female: Smooth and well balanced. The nose is complex - aromas of caramelized cherries, cinnamon and a good cigar. The palate is delightful.

Kilikanoon 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, South Australia, $30.00: 500 cases produced
(93)

Female: The nose, which is a bit high in alcohol, has lovely eucalyptus notes. Juicy mid-palate with rich tannins and good acidity. The fruit follows through to the finish.

Kenefick Ranch 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $60.00: 750 cases produced
(93)

Female: Yummy. Ripe berry, plum and blueberry on the nose. Jammy in the mouth. Nicely balanced.

Lionheart Wines 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $55.00: 37 cases produced
(93)

Female: Intense berry almost candylike aromas. The palate is meaty with oak accents. The finish is loaded with tannins. This is a young wine that will age beautifully. Enjoy this with lamb burgers or a grilled ham and gruyere sandwich with sweet & hot mustard.

Orsianna 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino, $19.95: 600 cases produced
(93)

Female: Ripe and rich cherry, berry, mint, and vanilla aromas. Layers of cherry in the mouth (like a cherry pie) are round and almost sweet with a nice touch of acidity. A distinctive wine. Two unique pairings suggested by our panel: Chinese roast duck or New York cheesecake with a graham cracker crust and a cherry-lavender sauce.

Peterson Winery 2006 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $35.00: 550 cases produced
(93)

Female: Smells like Cab Sauv! The nose is complex, rustic with lots of layers - blackberry, spiced cherry compote and baked raspberry crumble. The wine has a fine structure with dark licorice, dark red fruit and roasted beet flavors. The tannin on the finish is balanced by the fruit and acidity. This is a keeper. It will improve with age over the next 4-7 years.

Swanson Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville, $75.00: 2361 cases produced
(93)

Female: Pronounced plum and clove on the nose. Classic cassis, cigar and peppers on the palate. This is a high class high octane wine.

Tres Sabores 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $64.00: 200 cases produced
(93)

Female: Rich, round and creamy and inviting aromas. The mouth is elegant, soft and velvety with red & black fruit flavors with underlying vanilla and chocolate. Yum!

Woop Woop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia, $12.00: 10000 cases produced
(93)

Female: Fascinating, complex - bright cherry and cassis aromas replicate on the palate with additions of tea, smoke and cola. Keeps delivering. Yummy with roasted leg of lamb with a berry and balsamic glaze.

Blue Rock Vineyard 2005 Blue Rock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $95.00: 74 cases produced
(92)

Female: Dark fruit with exotic spices emanate from the glass. Very rich and complex in the mouth with a long finish. Nice!

Bray Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Shenandoah Valley of CA, $25.00: 60 cases produced
(92)

Female: Vanilla and hint of mocha rise from the glass. Bright and ripe fruit flavors enhanced by deft oak integration. A very nice wine. A crowd pleaser.

Star Lane 2005 Star Lane Cabernet Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $42.00: 7000 cases produced
(92)

Female: Toasty and vanilla notes on the nose. A really yummy wine with red and dark fruit flavors. Nicely balanced and integrated.

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

Female: Dark and rich fruit with a hint of anise on the nose. The wine is very rich and ripe in the mouth with prominent bright cherries. Pleasantly drying tannins on the finish.

James Judd & Son Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $24.00: 928 cases produced
(92)

Female: Fairly light in color. Nice carmel. burnt cocoa and coffee aromas. Flavors are interesting with coffee, cinnamony raisin toast notes, and light red fruit. Lighter in style and is tightly woven hemp. Fine grained and lovely oak notes.

Larson Family Winery 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $50.00: 500 cases produced
(92)

Female: An elegantly made wine. The nose bespeaks dark berries with a hint of sweet vanillan oak. The aromas are confirmed on the palate. Great extraction. Very well balanced with good acidity.

Temple Family Vineyards 2005 Lakespring Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa, $48.00: 600 cases produced
(92)

Female: Inviting aromas of earthiness. Definitely the dark side of Cab: roasted cherries, leather, espresso, run-cherry, and dark rye bread notes. Enjoy with beef stew!

Two Angels 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $27.99: 1507 cases produced
(92)

Female: Big, rich meaty notes on the nose delivering tons of dry blackberry and bramble flavors. Good tannins that don't overpower. A BIG STEAK WINE! This one's a crowd pleaser.

Ecluse Wines 2006 Lock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $28.00: 259 cases produced
(91)

Female: Black cherry and coffee in the nose and on the palate. Nicely balanced. The acid is apparent and that's good! Burgers on the grill would be the perfect complement.

Frank Family Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $45.00: 11170 cases produced
(91)

Female: Lovely fruit forward aromas and flavors - mulberry and plums. Nice cocoa and coffee notes mid-palate through the finish. The tannins are still quite prominent but will integrate with the generous fruit in time. Cellar this for 3-5 years and the wine should be amazing.

Kukkula i.p.o. 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $20.00: 390 cases produced
(91)

Female: The nose is inviting - juicy and ripe with dark cherry, light cocoa, cassis, and vanilla. There is a bit of heat on the palate. The flavors are predominantly cherry and cassis. Smooth tannins on the finish.

Latah Creek NV Cabernet, Syrah, Zinfandel Washington State, $19.99: 820 cases produced
(91)

Female: The nose is reticent opening to coffee notes. Rich and full-bodied with a long finish. A complex wine that is smoothly integrated . This will age well.

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

Female: The nose is a samba of dark fruit, molasses, cured meats, dark licorice and kalamata olives. Complex palate. Nicley balanced wine. Would pair well with a pork loin with Cuban seasoning.

Bernardus 2004 Cabernet Blend Estate Vineyard in Carmel Valley, CA, $36.00: 8609 cases produced
(90)

Female: Ripe raspberry scents with backnotes of vanilla. Oak, cedar and earth aromas follow. Ripe black cherry flavors turning to sour cherry as the acid enters mid-palate. The tannins are pleasant. A balanced wine that should age well.

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

Female: Huge prune, cherry and cocoa aromas. The flavors are intense, much like high tide - cherries, plum and green olives. Enjoy with pizza. Yum!

Penley Estate 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra, South Australia, $50.00: 100 cases produced
(90)

Female: This is a lay down wine. It is intense right now but has all of the potential to be absolutely gorgeous in 3-5 years. The tannins and acidity will round out and leave the luscious fruit.

d'Arenberg 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale, South Australia, $19.00: 1000 cases produced
(90)

Female: Appealing classic cassis and cigar aromas. There is arouch of blueberry as a low note in the nose with vanilla high notes. Dark and juicy fruit on the palate with toast notes on the slightly short finish but very tasty. Pair with grilled lamb chops and roasted rosemary potatoes.

Kenefick Ranch 2005 Cabernet Franc Napa Valley, $52.00: 556 cases produced
(90)

Female: Violets and spicy notes on the nose. Great depth that unveils itself as it opens in the glass. Flavors are many layered with dark plum and chocolate with herbal notes. Lay this baby down.

Roundhouse 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $15.99: 1000 cases produced
(90)

Female: Fascinating fruit notes on the nose and in the mouth. Fun to drink. No heavy oak. Not a big wine but a nice wine.

Miro 2006 aCURE eSTATE Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $30.00: 180 cases produced
(90)

Female: The nose is a mixture of berries and plum with backnotes of rich earth and cocoa. The aromas are replicated on the palate and the fruit carries through the finish. Well balanced.

Neal Family Vineyards 2004 One Lane Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon Mt Veeder Napa Valley, $90.00: 194 cases produced
(90)

Female: Black fruit, beautiful brown spices, coffee and mocha on the nose. Well balanced. This is an elegant wine - a Cabernet Sauvignon that you drink with food.

O'Brien Estate 2006 O'Brien Estate Vineyard Bordeaux Blend Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, $45.00: 2500 cases produced
(90)

Female: Lovely peppery aromas. Round and plummy on the palate. Nice complexity and balance. Craving a mortadella submarine sandwich as I taste this.

Opolo Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $30.00: 1798 cases produced
(90)

Female: Pleasant, rich and well made. The red fruit flavors have some green notes. Cleansing acid and dry tannins but the wine is nicely balanced as the fruit carries the day.

Owl Ridge Wines 2004 Brigden Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $48.00: 340 cases produced
(90)

Female: Violets and rhubarb with darker fruit and some obvious age in the glass. In the mouth the wine is lovely, a maturity and complexity here to enjoy.

Peterson Winery 2005 Bradford Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $35.00: 250 cases produced
(90)

Female: Well balanced. A crowd pleaser. Floral and berry nose explodes on the palate accented by rich tannins. Pair with beef fajitas.

R&B Cellars 2005 Bingham Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $65.00: 11000 cases produced
(90)

Female: Ripe, full, forward dark fruit. Nicely balanced. Oak is well defined but as a backnote instead of a headliner showing nice spice on the finish.

RN ESTATE 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Paso Robles, $45.00: 170 cases produced
(90)

Female: The nose is earthy. A lighter style wine. The palate shows red fruit with brown baking spice accents. The wine gets more intense on the finish and is enhanced by a hint of mint.

Sculpterra 2007 Frankel Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles AVA, $30.00: 835 cases produced
(90)

Female: Lots of roasted notes in the nose - toasted oak, coffee and roasted meats. Black currants and blackberry fruit accented by the roasty toasty notes and dried herbs. The oak is still a bit aggressive but with the Plush and rich fruit, this wine should age beautifully.

THE GRADE Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Calistoga District (pending), $80.00: 270 cases produced
(90)

Female: The nose emits aromas of dry raspberries, quite pleasant. Bright and ripe red fruit on entry through the middle turning to cranberry notes on the finish. Nicely balanced with lovely acid and oak tannins. Pretty!

heart heart = An Affair to Remember

Forth 2005 Rebecca's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek, $38.00: 205 cases produced
(89)

Female: Inviting herbs and spices waft from the glass. In the mouth the flavors are rhubarb and red plum with cocoa on the finish. Tannins are a bit prickly so to tame them, enjoy this wine with a rare grilled steak. Hmmm...

Forth 2007 Cabernet sauvignon Dry Creek, $25.00: 1505 cases produced
(89)

Female: Lots of toasty oak notes on the nose and the finish. Black fruit flavors with cleansing acidity.

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

Female: Menthol, some floral notes and very ripe dark fruit aromas lead to a very structured wine with aggressive tannins surrounding the black fruit core. Oak tannins and spice through the finish. Cellar this wine for at least 4 years so that the oak, acid and fruit will integrate.

L'Aventure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $80.00: 500 cases produced
(89)

Female: Dense, deep color. The aromas are a bit closed. There is a lot of oak here but fruit to carry it. Needs time.

Collins Estate Reserve 2007 Collins Vineyard Red Blend Russian River Valley, $52.00: 100 cases produced
(89)

Female: Cherries, good cigars and vanilla aromas. Smooth with cherry, sage and black pepper flavors. Pair this wine with linguini topped with grilled chicken and a butter sauce made with fried sage and capers.

THE GRADE 2004 Winfield Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (Calistoga District - pending), $80.00: 240 cases produced
(89)

Female: There are rhubarb, red raspberry, and blackberries with a touch of earthiness in the glass. The mouth is juicy with dark and red fruit accented by coffee notes. Nice wine.

Watkins Family Winery 2005 Nuns Cliff Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Mayacamas Mountains, $38.00: 270 cases produced
(89)

Female: Ripe cherries and vanilla with hints of leather in the nose delivering nice bright fruit in the mouth. Nice mouthfeel.

Heartland 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Langhorne Creek/Limestone Coast, $15.00: 5000 cases produced
(89)

Female: Red and black fruit accented with vanilla and cola - nice! Powerful, masculine structure with a long finish.

Grampa Moses Vineyards 2005 Grampa Moses Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County, $40.00: 210 cases produced
(88)

Female: Blackberry, bay leaf and black pepper aromas deliver dark cherry and cola flavors. The oak is still very dominant but should integrate with more time in bottle.

Holloway Cellars 2005 Beckstoffer Cabernet 85%cab,5% each cab franc,petite verdot, malbec Red Hills Appelation, $50.00: 268 cases produced
(88)

Female: Dark, spicy and intense with blackberry, cinnamon and vanilla. Somewaht complex. A big wine. Some will love it for it's boldness while others will want more elegance.

Seduction 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Blend Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, $45.00: 2500 cases produced
(88)

Female: Earth, oak and dark red fruit with hints of mint on the nose. Lush in the mouth with spicy tannins joining mid-palate through the long finish.

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

Female: Still a baby, this wine is still maturing. Cherry, raspberry and some black fruit aromas and flavors. The wine is dense on the palate. The fairly intense tannins are apparent from mid-palate through the finish. I will buy this wine, lay it down and try it in amother six months.

Windsor Oaks Vineyards 2006 Windsor Oaks Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Chalk Hill, Sonoma County, $35.00: 180 cases produced
(88)

Female: The chocolate covered cherries on the nose carry onto the palate. Some sour notes of unripe plums and oak join in mid to late. This is a nice effort with a sound structure and good tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Wilyabrup Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River, Western Australia, $40.00: 500 cases produced
(87)

Female: Deep, dry and inky. Pleasant dark fruit on the palate.

Star Lane 2005 Star Lane Cabernet Santa Ynez Valley- Happy Canyon, $80.00: 1000 cases produced
(87)

Female: Aromas and flavors are consistent - cherry, plum, floral, and oak notes. A layered wine that deepens on the palate and through the long finish.

Cabernet Blanc 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon American, $14.95: 900 cases produced
(87)

Female: An unusual entry. This is a Cabernet Blanc, a blush wine. Share this wine with your friends who prefer fruity wines. Really sweet and ripe strawberries on the nose and in the mouth. I'd like to save this wine for a cheese course and pair it with some lovely ripe blue cheese.

kukkula 2006 Red Blend Paso Robles, $24.00: 110 cases produced
(87)

Female: At first whiff, the nose is a bit "skunky" but this quickly dissipates and opens to pleasant cranberry and red fruit. There is lovely red fruit in the mouth. Balanced with nice acidity. Rnjoy this wine with roast chicken.

Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery 2006 View Forever Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sierra Foothills, $26.00: 272 cases produced
(87)

Female: Smells youthful with cherry, cherry coal and a Jolly Rancher cnerry nose. A simple easy to like, straight forward wine.

McNab Ridge 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino, $40.00: 156 cases produced
(87)

Female: The nose is a bit waxy at first but opens to ripe fruit aromas and flavors. Excellent fruit and intensity. Great balance.

Parker Family Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $49.00: 400 cases produced
(87)

Female: The nose is restrained at first but opens after awhile to brown spices and red fruit. Black fruit with espresso backnotes. Cherry cough syrup mid-palate through the finish.

Pedroncelli 2006 Morris Fay Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $20.00: 1000 cases produced
(87)

Female: Very ripe red fruit on the nose and red fruit in the mouth. Youthful but light in style.

Red Newt Cellars 2007 Glacier Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes, $38.99: 120 cases produced
(87)

Female: Lilac on the nose invites you into the glass. The red fruits accented with some smoke elements make for a tasty wine.

Rodney Strong Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California, $50.00: 3141 cases produced
(87)

Female: Red berry on the nose. Very inviting. The mouth is not as lush as the nose portends. It is juicy at first and then narrows to sour fruit.

Ty Caton Vineyards 2006 Ty Caton Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley, $42.00: 468 cases produced
(87)

Female: Deep blood red color in the glass. Ripe dark fruit aromas and flavors. Sweet fruit through the finish.

Woop Woop 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia: McLaren Vale and Langhorne Creek, $11.99: 6000 cases produced
(87)

Female: Cherry and blackberry aromas replicate on the palate. Easy to like. Would be a real winner if it's under $15.

Zenaida Cellars 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $25.00: 300 cases produced
(87)

Female: Lots of fruit and lots of oak here. The wine needs time to come together but it's got all that it needs to mature nicely.

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

Female: Pleasant and easy to drink. Cherry and red currant throughout. There is a hint of oak on the finish. A nice sipper.

Director's Cut 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $29.00
(86)

Female: Brown baking spice with warm fruit compote flavors. The tannins are huge. Not my style but others will really like it.

Hawk And Horse Vinyards 2006 Hawk And Horse Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills AVA, $65.00: 195 cases produced
(86)

Female: Bing cherries, hints of vanilla and earth backnotes, Thick with fruit and oak. Parker should love this one! Starts elegantly and finishes strong. Pair with a rustic Tuscan stew with green olives, tomato and basil.

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

Female: Santa Rosa plum and green pepper on the nose. Cherry and sour cherry flavors in the mouth. A good pizza wine!

Red Newt Cellars 2007 Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes, $19.99: 288 cases produced
(86)

Female: Tasty! Flower garden aromas - lilac and some fresh greenery. Light red flavors in the mouth. I'd like to have this with chicken cooked slowly on a rotisserie over an open fire.

Vina Robles 2006 Huerhuero Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $22.00: 4269 cases produced
(86)

Female: Tart raspberry in the nose and mouth. Pleasant herbal notes. Easy to drink.

Alexander School Reserve 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, $35.00: 500 cases produced
(85)

Female: Violet, red currants, cranberry and eucalyptus on the nose with dill backnotes. Mid-palate is fruity with blackberry and plum flavors. Violets, eucalyptus, plum and dried herbs on the medium length finish.

Bianchi Signature Selection 2005 Central and Western Paso Robles Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $26.00
(85)

Female: A crowd pleaser. Red fruit aromas and flavors with a hint of black licorice and vanilla throughout.

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

Female: Pine forest, bay leaf and red fruit aromas. Red fruit on entry going to sour cherry flavors mid-palate. Lots of tannin on the finish.

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

Female: Eucalyptus on the nose. South Australia. Could it be from Coonawarra? Dark red fruit flavors accented by mint turning to sour cherry on the finish.

A Cellar Full of Noise 2005 San Miguel Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $14.99: 1380 cases produced
(85)

Female: Aromas of sweet cherry cough syrup deliver flavors of sweet black cherry highlighted by smoke and mint. A pleasant red wine.

Watts 2004 Watts Vineyards Cabernet Franc Lodi, $40.00: 168 cases produced
(85)

Female: Pretty blueberry and violets in the glass. Dark fruit on the palate highlighted by brown baking spice and a touch of mint. Lovely!

Buttonwood 2005 Cabernet Franc Santa Ynez Valley, $18.00: 197 cases produced
(84)

Female: Violets and earthy aromas with light cherry and cranberry fruit tinged with some smoky notes.

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

Female: The nose reminds me of pleasant childhood memories - like Welch's grape jelly. There is sweet cherry fruit on mid-palate through the finish. Pleasant everyday sipper. Enjoy at your next BBQ.

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

Female: Sweet ripe fruit on the nose and in the mouth. Pleasant and easy to drink.

Thumbprint Cellars 2006 Andolsen Top Block Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Creek Valley, $49.00: 250 cases produced
(84)

Female: Dark, dark fruit and oak elements in the nose and the mouth. There's really some pretty fruit underneath but right now, the oak overpowers it. I would like to re-taste in 8-10 months.

Buttonwood 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley, $24.00: 391 cases produced
(82)

Female: Cedar, cola and black cherry on the nose. Cranberry flavors with cedar notes on entry through the finish.

Watts 2003 Los Robles Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Clements Hills, $20.00: 450 cases produced
(82)

Female: Lots of cooked dark fruit on the nose with hints of dark mocha. Very inviting. Red and black fruit flavors with a hint of mint on the palate. Pleasant.

Grape Creek Vineyards 2006 Bordeaux Blend American, $36.95: 250 cases produced
(80)

Female: Pleasant in the mouth.

The 2009 Cabernet Shootout... A Wine Challenge

The 2009 Cabernet Shootout...
A Wine Challenge