wine color: Red

Courtney Benham Cabernet Napa 2013

91
Courtney Benham
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $24

Tasting Notes: Lovely flavors of dark fruit, cassis, cedar and spice meet with hints of oak and robust cigar box; full-bodied and bold while maintaining an elegant profile.
Courtney Benham Cabernet Napa 2013

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Cosentino The Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

90
Cosentino The Franc
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Proof why cabernet sauvignon’s cousin should not get overlooked. Fresh blueberry and violet open things up, then soft notes of wood spice and cream unfold. It is a bit astringent up front, with ample tannins still prevalent, but with time this eases up to let ripe blueberry and cassis flavors emerge.
Cosentino The Franc Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

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Castle Rock Paso Robles 2012

90
Castle Rock
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $10

Tasting Notes: Pleasant and reasonably priced cabernet with medium body, smooth finish. Lots of black fruits. Good everyday cab—aerate first for maximum enjoyment.
Castle Rock Paso Robles 2012

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Carson Ridge Cabernet Paso Robles 2013

90
Carson Ridge
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: Medium in body and possessing dense aromas and flavors of red berries, oak, and vanilla; it is an enticing cabernet that is pure, clean and approachable.
Carson Ridge Cabernet Paso Robles 2013

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Ca’Momi Napa Valley Cabernet 2011

88
Ca’Momi
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Nice nose of red berries and cherries, cassis and hints of spice tobacco, in the mid-palate. Balanced acidities on the finish.
Ca’Momi Napa Valley Cabernet 2011

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Bloom Cabernet

90
Bloom
Varietal: Cabernet
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $14

Tasting Notes: A solid cabernet that provides plenty of value; a core of red fruit also carries subtle notes of spice and oak that gradually fade into the soft, gentle finish.
Bloom Cabernet

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Banshee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

90
Banshee Napa Valley
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $36

Tasting Notes: A beautifully concentrated cab displaying blue fruits, tobacco and well-integrated oak. The fuzzy ripe tannins and moderate acidity make this a pleasure to drink now.
Banshee Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Avenel Cellars Napa Red 2012

90
Avenel Cellars
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $24

Tasting Notes: A plush, serious red blend with aromas and flavors of red currants, plum, vanilla and cinnamon; a richly textured mouthfeel and a velvety smoothness.
Avenel Cellars Napa Red 2012

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337 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

90
337 Lodi
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Excellent structure, this cabernet offers youthful flavors of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry followed by a hint of licorice and mocha. The finish is smooth and textured with tannins that are ripe and firm. A fantastic value!
337 Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

95
Wren Hop Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Mortal Coil
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $72

Tasting Notes: Complex black and red fruit aromas jump out of the glass. Medium-bodied with beautifully balanced fruit and acidity. Great varietal character and a long rich finish.
Wren Hop Vineyards Pinot Noir Mortal Coil 2012

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Wild Ridge Pinot Noir 2012

93
Wild Ridge
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: This pinot noir starts out showing plenty of fruit, but as you give it some time, the layers of spice, earth notes and beautifully balanced acidity unfold on the palate. This classic Sonoma Coast pinot continues to evolve through the mid-palate as the acidity builds and the spice and fresh fruit notes fade perfectly.
Wild Ridge Pinot Noir 2012

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Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir 2012

92
Wente Riva Ranch
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: From one of California’s pioneering winemaking families, this elegant, cool-climate pinot noir exhibits refinement, with the appropriate nose and palate. Spicy red and black fruit, good tannins and acidity. The wine has a long and well-balanced finish.
Wente Riva Ranch Pinot Noir 2012

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