star rating: Five Stars (92-100)

J. McClelland Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

95
J. McClelland
Fanciful Name: Oak Knoll District
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: A blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 4% petit verdot, barrel-aged for 20 to 24 months. This is an elegant wine, reminiscent of a good Saint-Julien. Distinctive cabernet sauvignon aromas and flavors predominate. The merlot adds a velvety texture, the petit verdot adds a pleasant herbal nuance. Tannins are firm. While nice now, five to six more years will allow some lovely development.
J. McClelland Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

96
Gallo Estate
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2010
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Northern Sonoma
Retail Price: $95

Tasting Notes: A dense ruby purple, the nose is dominated by lovely black berry and plum fruit, with just a hint of toasted oak. Solid on the palate, balanced by its acidity. A brilliant example of restraint and power in the bottle. Wonderful now, but capable of aging.
Gallo Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2013

92
Frog’s Leap
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Made by the talented and funny John Williams. I love his approach, making wines of place that are true to the soils they come from. 100% dry-farmed. Williams has also been farming organically since 1988. Frog’s Leap Zinfandel is layered with boysenberry, fleshy strawberry and a small touch of spice. Williams also blends in Petite Sirah and Carignan, bringing more depth and structure. A steal al the price!
Frog’s Leap Zinfandel 2013

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Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92
Franciscan Estate
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $28

Tasting Notes: A well-balanced example of talented grape growing and winemaking. A dark ruby in the glass, the blackberry, sweet cherry, and spice notes rise from the glass. The wine has weight, but is not heavy on the palate. Enjoy this with a wide range of foods.
Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

92
Flora Springs
Fanciful Name: Barrel Fermented
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Bright, crisp aromas and flavors of pear and golden delicious apples, balanced beautifully by toasty oak and crisp acidity. The finish is long and refreshing.
Flora Springs Chardonnay 2013

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Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

94
Emblem
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $60

Tasting Notes: From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstanding nose, with lots of black fruit, spice and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long finish maintains its balance throughout.
Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

97
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $39.99

Tasting Notes: This, only their second release for a Chardonnay, confirms that Duckhorn and Renee Ary are on the right path. Rich, vibrant fruit highlights the best fruit sourced from 11 prime valley sites. Peach and melon notes balance the touches of citrus fruits. Very detailed barrel fermentation program includes hand stirring of the lees.
Duckhorn Vineyards Chardonnay 2013

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Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

98
Davis Bynum River West Vineyard
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Russian River Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Single vineyard. French oak barrel-fermentation and aging. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lie. The result? Rich, buttery, toasty, classic Russian River Chardonnay! A bouquet of baked fruits and spices leads to a creamy texture that coats the palate with flavors of apple, pear and apricot, with a hint of vanilla/butterscotch. There is still a crisp acidity on the finish that adds great length.
Davis Bynum River West Vineyard Chardonnay 2013

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Dashe Todd Brothers Zinfandel 2013

93
Dashe Todd Brothers
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Dry Creek Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Blockbuster old-vine Zin. Dense and full-bodied with lots of black raspberry, black cherry and spice. It has the ability to be cellared for five years. Grill up a T-bone and enjoy.
Dashe Todd Brothers Zinfandel 2013

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Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Clos Pegase
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: From the central Napa Valley region, this cabernet demonstrates balance and elegance. A dense ruby in the glass, the notes of dark fruit and toast are echoed on the powerful yet balanced palate. Lots of delicious fruit, from start to long finish.
Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Chimney Rock Red 2012

95
Chimney Rock
Fanciful Name: Elevage
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $100

Tasting Notes: There are aromas of raspberry, cherry and rosé petal up front, followed by hints of the gravelly soils of the AVA. The rich sweet/tart berry flavors of the Merlot coat the palate, followed by the “la garrigue” of the Petit Verdot. The Cabernet Sauvignon adds nuances of blackberry and spice with firm tannins on the finish. The unique terroir of Stag’s Leap lingers over all, giving the wine depth and complexity. While approachable now, this wine will reward you if cellared for 3-5 more years.
Chimney Rock Red 2012

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Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

92
Chateau St. Jean
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Alexander Valley

Tasting Notes: A winner from a difficult vintage, dry and rich with complex black raspberry and black cherry notes, fine tannins and a long finish.
Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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