wine color: Red

Kicker Cane Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

92
Kicker Cane
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $21

Tasting Notes: A powerful Cabernet with notes of ripe plumb, redcurrant, clove and other spices. This Alexander Valley wine shows that you do not have to drink Napa to get complex Cabernet.
Kicker Cane Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

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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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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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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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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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Broc Cellars Counoise 2014

94
Broc Cellars
Varietal: Counoise
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County

Tasting Notes: Broc Cellars specializes in Rhone Valley varietals and delivers big with their varietal bottling of Counoise. Medium bodied and reminiscent of Pinot Noir, this wine is something that all red wine lovers should give a chance. Red and black fruits are bountiful, along with a touch of earthy qualities. Broc Cellars Counoise is small in production but big in flavor and is a must the next time you see it.
Broc Cellars Counoise 2014

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Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Brandlin
Fanciful Name: Mount Veeder
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with floral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit flavors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy finish.
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Benovia Pinot Noir

92
Benovia
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $36.95

Tasting Notes: Low yield and small production help create this textbook Russian River pinot. Deep ruby color with a juicy berry nose and palate. Add some mineral notes and a bit of plum and enjoy this complex wine with roasted squab and wild rice.
Benovia Pinot Noir

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Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92
Beniziger
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: The Benziger family has been one of Sonoma’s sustainability pioneers, with their well-thought-out vineyard and winery practices. This care and attention to detail are demonstrated by the quality of this wine. Showing lots of dark fruit, berry, plum and cherry on the nose, the palate confirms the freshness and energy. The finish is long and balanced, with plenty of finesse and class.
Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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