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$124.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "The Kings Row from Checkerboard Vineyards is blended from many of the same lots as our Checkerboard. The intention in producing this companion to Checkerboard is to create a wine with significant concentration and power, elegantly soft tannins, but not requiring lengthy cellaring. In other words- a wine you can open and enjoy now without the wait!"
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$59.95
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WA 91
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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91 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District shows off considerable focus and depth, not to mention terrific overall balance. Dark plums, cherries, spices, licorice and cassis are some of the notes that flow from this long, pure wine. Today the tannins are a bit compact, but bottle age should help to some degree. The 2009 is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Dec 2011)"
Producer notes: "Intense blackberry liqueur and espresso bean develop into rose and truffle oil aromas as the wine opens. Creamy and opulent, flavors of semi-sweet chocolate, mocha, and plum layer the front and mid-palate. A beam of fresh minerality (archetypal Stags Leap District character) frames the long silky finish. Decanting is recommended. Revisit over 24 hours as new layers develop with time. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. Alcohol 14.9%."
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$9.95
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TP 89
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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List $13.00
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89 points The Tasting Panel: "Full and lush taste with velvety texture and rich plum and spice; dense, clean and nicely made; a percentage of proceeds go to heart disease research."
'Good Value,' Wine & Spirits: "[$13 list] A blend of cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, shiraz, merlot and petite sirah, this is a simple, pleasantly ripe red with soft, peppery flavors. Daryl Groom created it with his son, Colby, a volunteer for the American Heart Association, to raise money for heart research. (Jun 2011)"
Producer notes: "Colby Groom is now 13 years of age. Just prior to his 10th birthday he underwent back to back open heart surgeries. He is now a seasoned volunteer with the American Heart Association and was inspired to raise money for heart research through creating a wine with his Dad, notable winemaker Daryl Groom and Colby Red was born. Colby Red is a flavorful California cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot & Petite Sirah."
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$9.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $13.00
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Wine Enthusiast: "[$13 list] This blend of five varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel, is soft and sweet. Call it bistro style. It’s jammy in cherries, licorice and mocha. Proceeds from the wine’s sales go to heart disease research. Alcohol 13.9%. (May 2012)"
Producer notes: "Colby Groom is now 13 years of age. Just prior to his 10th birthday he underwent back to back open heart surgeries. He is now a seasoned volunteer with the American Heart Association and was inspired to raise money for heart research through creating a wine with his Dad, notable winemaker Daryl Groom and Colby Red was born. Colby Red is a flavorful California cuvee of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Zinfandel, Shiraz, Merlot & Petite Sirah."
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$259.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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$209.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
3
available
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$24.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $28.00
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Producer notes: "[$28 list] Opening aromas of blackberries, plums and dark chocolate carry through to the palate. Accents of spring wildflowers, spiced honey, and pie crust highlight complexity. Ripe focused tannins follow the flavors to a lingering cocoa powder finish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Barrel aged 19 months in French oak (36% new). Alcohol 14.5%."
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$18.95
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CG 88
WE 88
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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88 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Conn Creek's inexpensive Cabernet-based blend is something of a revelation at the price. It is rich, well-fruited and carefully balanced with a real sense of reserve and polish typically found in far more costly wines. Its layered delivery of juicy dark fruits and sweet oak is bound to tempt early drinking, yet do not be fooled by its price tag into thinking that it is a simple gulper to be drunk down right away. It is much more than that, and it will continue to grow for a number of years. GOOD VALUE. (Aug 2011)"
88 points and 'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "Lots of pleasure in this dry, classically structured wine. It’s rich and forward in juicy blackberries and cherries, with a milk chocolaty richness but also a dried herb earthiness that grounds it. Good price for a wine of this class. (Mar 2011)"
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$174.95
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IWC 92–94
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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92-94 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(72% cabernet sauvignon, 15% cabernet franc, 9% petit verdot and 4% merlot; 93% from estate fruit on Pritchard Hill): Bright ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice pastille and violet. Round, suave and lush but with lovely inner-mouth lift to the cassis and chocolate flavors. Serious depth here, and quite ripe for 2010. Finishes seamless, subtle and long, with suave, chocolatey tannins. This youthfully medicinal blend seems built for a graceful evolution in bottle. (May 2012)"
Producer notes: "71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 11% Petit Verdot and 4% Merlot. 2010 has a deep red robe, black highlights and a vibrant purple rim. Primary aromas of black cherry, tar, dark rose petal and truffle develop greater nuance as the wine breathes, revealing peppercorn, blackberry, red ginger and cardamom. On the palate, ripe plum and wild cherry fruit align with silky tannins and a rich velvety texture. The finish is full yet supple, with flavors reminiscent of a freshly pulled double espresso. The 2010 is wonderfully savory offering ripe black fruits, a long finish and quite a complex set of textures and flavors. Decant and enjoy today or cellar for 15 to 20 years."
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$22.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
9
available
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Producer notes: "87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc. In the tradition of classic Bordeaux wines, this year’s Director’s Cut Cabernet is blended with some Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The Merlot hails from a mountain vineyard, and adds weight and depth to the blend. The Cabernet Franc, from an alluvial site, adds spice to the aroma. Classically structured with ripe, supple tannins and an elegant balance of fruit, our 2010 Director’s Cut Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a bouquet of blackberries and sweet cigar box along with rich flavors of cherries, currants, and cassis embellished with a hint of anise and vanilla. While dazzling on the palate now, this wine has the structure and dimension to gain complexity in the years to come. Alcohol 14.5%. Barrel aged 14 months in French oak (50% new)."
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$134.95
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WA 95
WS 95
IWC 91–93
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
2
available
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95 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Plums, mocha, espresso and pencil shavings all burst from the glass as the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its large-scaled, intense personality. With time in the glass, the 2010 becomes even richer, with endless layers of fruit that flesh out beautifully. This big, voluptuous wine is super-exciting from the very first taste. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Dec 2012)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "For all its intensity, density, focus and concentration, there’s a wonderful sense of lift and elegance to this, with tiers of dark berry, mocha, espresso, currant and wild berry. Keeps gaining depth, length and persistence. Drink now through 2025. 350 cases made. (5/1/13)"
91-93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Good deep bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, licorice, minerals and spicecake. Fat, dense and sweet, with black fruit, spicy oak and chocolate flavors dominating. Not quite as complex or explosive today as the 2009 but finishes minerally, firm and long. Excellent potential here. (May 2012)"
Producer notes: "Bright raspberry, warm cherry pie, and deep vanilla aromas beautifully illustrate the characteristics of the steep hillside heritage of this young Cabernet, while more savory notes of clove, cocoa powder, sweet earth and a hint of dried anise provide darker tones and complexity. On the palate, the wine is soft, full, and round at entry, followed by a rich, full-bodied and ripe mid-palate with dense, ripe black cherry flavors. The finish is full, broad and juicy, with notes of fresh plums and raspberry jam lingering as the textural components slowly fade. 375 cases produced."
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$5.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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$29.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
3
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
A blend of primarily Cabernet Sauvignon from declassified fruit from Howell Mountain and Syrah from Sonoma and Napa, which adds spice and juicy dark fruit. The name for this label comes from Karen’s daughter, who used to mispronounce the word ‘cicada’. 393 cases produced.
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$194.95
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WA 96
WS 94
IWC 93
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
8
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
96 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "Dalla Valle’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with the most exquisite bouquet imaginable. A picture perfect example of the vintage, the Cabernet Sauvignon is endowed with expressive, silky fruit and fabulous overall balance. Bright red berries, savory herbs, espresso, cedar, mint and sweet spices all flow through to the finish. I very much like the tension and energy in the glass. Next to the 2010, the 2009 is more floral and red-toned, but those attributes might change as the wine develops in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. (Dec 2012)"
94 points Wine Spectator: "Fresh, intense and vibrant, rich and chewy, offering a dense core of mineral, currant, blackberry and spice, with touches of road tar and cedar. Tightens on the finish, where the tannins weigh in, yet this is still long and persistent. Best from 2014 through 2028. 500 cases made. (10/15/12)"
93 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(blended with 20% cabernet franc): Red-ruby. Scented nose offers redcurrant, iron and loam. Sweet, fine-grained and energetic, showing lovely juicy definition to its flavors of red berries, spices, licorice and graphite. Superb, varietally precise cabernet with firm tannic spine and excellent persistence. And more accessible today than the Maya. (May 2012)"
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$569.95
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RP 99
IWC 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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99 points Robert Parker (The World's Greatest Wine Estates): "Close to perfection, the saturated blue/black-colored 1997 Maya exhibits complex aromatics of creme de cassis, smoke, spice box, iron, and espresso. The wine has a viscous texture, huge, concentrated, ripe fruit, remarkable body, and a seamless, multi-layered finish. The tannin, acidity, and alcohol are all beautifully integrated. This is profound stuff! Anticipated maturity: now-2030. (2005)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "Saturated full ruby. Explosive aromas of blackberry, black cherry, bitter chocolate, camphor, black licorice and violet. Extremely dense and thick without being heavy. Superb flavor intensity and depth. The thoroughly ripe tannins coat the entire palate. The slow-mounting, extremely long finish offers wonderful grip and vibrancy. A great vintage for Maya. (May/Jun 2000)"
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$389.95
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RP 98
IWC 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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98 points Robert Parker: "Even more prodigious is the 2001 Maya, a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Cabernet Franc. A modern day legend, it boasts complex notes of cedarwood, sauteed porcini mushrooms, camphor, graphite, creme de cassis, kirsch and forest floor. The heavenly aromas are followed by a broad, deep, full-bodied, opaque purple-colored wine with a full-bodied mouthfeel and moderately high tannins. Still a baby at age 10, it needs another 4-5 years of cellaring and should age effortlessly for 30-40 years thereafter. This is a modern day classic! (Jun 2011)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(just 340 cases) Bright ruby. Superripe, deep aromas of cassis, black plum, black cherry, bitter chocolate, espresso and violet; more perfumed today than the Napa bottling. Then very ripe, broad and seamless, with the violety cabernet franc character giving life to the middle palate. Vibrant and complex but still quite youthfully unevolved. Expands subtly and impressively on the back half, finishing with firm, refined tannins and sappy berry flavors. This really dances on the palate. (May/Jun 2004)"
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$314.95
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WA 97
WS 95
IWC 95
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
1
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
97 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "An exotic melange of black cherries, plums, mocha, espresso and cloves takes shape in the 2009 Maya. A huge, introspective wine, the 2009 Maya will require years in bottle before the fruit begins to emerge, but is singular and promising to the core. Even with all of its pure depth, there is plenty of underlying tannin and sheer structure lurking beneath. Hints of graphite and crushed rocks emerge on the finish, but today the Maya is tightly wound and implosive. The pure energy of the finish is beguiling. The 2009 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034. (Dec 2012)"
95 points Wine Spectator: "A classy effort that delivers richness and density, with layers of dark berry fruit, spice, cedar, espresso and black licorice, firming with fine-grained tannins and a finish that offers elegance, finesse and structure. Best from 2013 through 2028. 500 cases made. (10/15/12)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(two-thirds cabernet sauvignon and one-third cabernet franc): Good bright, dark red-ruby. Cassis and powerful graphite minerality dominate the nose. Sappy, strong and deep, with terrific intensity and a very firm spine to the flavors of dark berries, crushed rock, cocoa powder and spices. Dense, large-scaled and mouthfilling yet light on its feet. This impressive wine's serious tannins call for extended aging. (May 2012)"
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$58.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
4
available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine exhibits rich vanilla character, along with dried cherries, raspberry, and savory notes. The tannins are soft, while the mid-palate is mouthwatering and juicy. The complex fruit character is enhanced by flavors of dried sage, cardamom, and black tea. At this time the wine softens and becomes more expressive with a light decanting.
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$62.95
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WS 91
WE 91
CG 90
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
91 points Wine Spectator: "Offers a mix of melted black licorice, currant, dark berry, spice and savory herb notes that are firm, structured and rich without being weighty. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 1,500 cases made. (6/15/12)"
91 points Wine Enthusiast: "This is a thick, young blend that’s based on Merlot. It’s brooding in tannins, offering deep, impressive layers of blackberry purée, dark chocolate and bacon. This is really delicious now with big, rich fare, like short ribs, and it should be good over the next six years. 15.1% alcohol. (Aug 2012)"
90 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "This deep and very generously filled offering leads with rich, sweetly oaked aromas of cherries, cassis, vanilla and crème caramel, and its like-minded flavors do not miss a step. Its ample tannins provided a very solid structural frame, and it is never less than wholly filled from beginning to end. Its richness might compel drinking now, but it has a bit of back-end coarseness to lose, and the smart money says to set it aside for another five years. (Mar 2013)"
Producer notes: "27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 59% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Barrel aged for 20 months in 60% new French oak. The 2009 vintage was a long, mild growing season which delivered fruit with bright acidity, relatively low potential alcohol, dark color, and expressive aromatics. As the year was relatively cool for Napa Valley standards, Merlot performed particularly well. For the 2009 Mad Hatter, we blended fruit from our estate with grapes from other valued sources in the Napa Valley, to create a wine that is soft, rich and generous. Cabernet Sauvignon adds a regal, classic quality to the wine, while smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot provide a depth and aromatic complexity that makes the wine even more compelling. After a short decanting, the wine comes alive, with deep, ripe notes of blackberry, black tea, and forest floor. On the palate, a solid tannic framework supports the rich fruit flavors, accompanied by subtle notes of gravel and minerals. This wine will easily age for a decade or more, but should probably be consumed now, in its youth, to enjoy all of the bright, fresh fruit character it shows now."
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$149.95
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WA 94
CG 93
IWC 92
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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*SPECIAL: Take 10% Off Listed Price!
(We'll reduce item's price when processing your order.)
94 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Dancing Hares comes across as silky, perfumed and impeccably elegant. It shows a bit more finesse and textural richness than the 2008 I tasted alongside it. Sweet spices, mocha and new leather are some of the notes that wrap around the finish. This gorgeous, generous wine is simply brilliant. The 2009 is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13.5% Cabernet Franc and 6.5% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. (Dec 2011)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Deep, layered, complex and very ripe yet also filled with both fruit and energy, this bold, commanding wine is not for the faint of heart or those who find too much personality in Napa Valley Cabernets. The rest of us, however, are going to luxuriate in its rich and sophisticated expressions of currants, tea leaf, crème caramel and sweet herbs. And we will not be put off by the wine's seeming sea of tannins because they guarantee that time in the cellar will be rewarded. (Dec 2012)"
92 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(60% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 14% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot; from a very warm site rich in decomposed shale on the upper fork of Crystal Springs Road at the foot of Howell Mountain): Aromas of redcurrant and licorice. Sappy, slightly medicinal flavors of black cherry and licorice accented by fresh herbs. The building dusty tannins avoid going dry. 'In a hot year this site gets very hot,' noted winemaker Andy Erickson, 'but 2010 and 2009 were cooler vintages.' (May 2012)"
92 points Wine Spectator: "A gutsy effort that's very rich, deep and expansive, with tiers of ripe cherry, plum and blackberry that are robust and chewy, underscoring the extraction. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2013 through 2025. 604 cases made. (6/30/12)"
Producer notes: "59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot. Red and black fruits, flint, cinnamon, clove, and toasted almond aromas define the wine. While it is still quite firm, the wine unwinds on the palate, delivering richness and plenty of tannin heft. This mouth-coating quality carries all the way through to the finish, and gives the wine a density and length that is alluring now, and bodes very well for the future. This is easily a wine for two to three decades of evolution and enjoyment."
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$19.95
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United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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Producer notes: "The 2010 vintage has yielded a voluptuous expression of our Decoy Red Wine with alluring aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black currant and raspberry, supported by holiday spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom. On the palate, this wine is lush and juicy, with a fleshy mid-palate and soft, velvety tannins. Subtle oak-inspired elements of cedar and walnut accentuate the rich dark fruit flavors, giving them an enticing berry pie/cobbler quality. 52% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon
2% Petit Verdot. Alcohol 14.5%."
Not yet reviewed; 2009 vintage rated 89 points and 'Best Buy' by Wine & Spirits: "Mostly merlot and cabernet sauvignon, this blend is packed with sweet fruit scents, from blueberry to black raspberry. It’s bright and juicy, dense without being heavy, a simple red for roast beef."
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$157.95
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WA 95
WS 93
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
2
available
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95+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow sparkles on the palate with layers of dark red fruit, mocha, sweet herbs, crushed flowers and spices. Once again the Gravelly Meadow is surprisingly accessible for a young Diamond Creek wine. There is plenty of underlying tannin, however, and my impression is that this is a rare 2009 that hasn’t yet begun to close down in bottle. Hints of raspberry jam, cinnamon and cloves add to an impression of softness and sensuality that is unusual for a young Diamond Creek Cabernet. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2049. (Dec 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "[$175 list] Pleasantly earthy, with a complex, fresh loaminess underlying the dried currant and herb notes, gaining a cedary edge. The finish is tightly focused, showing touches of black olive and cigar box. Excellent length. Best from 2014 through 2030. 413 cases made. (8/15/12)"
'Highly Recommended,' Decanter: "Firm but elegant blackberry and damson nose, with a curious mineral edge. Suave texture, with plenty of stuffing, and notes of cassis, tobacco and cedarwood. A complex wine with intensity and balance. Drink: 2015-2025. Alcohol 14.1%. (Feb 2013)"
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$157.95
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WA 95
W&S 95
CG 93
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock,
5
available
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95+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace boasts serious depth and power, but it appears to be holding all of the elements very much in reserve. Hints of camphor, tar, menthol, wild flowers and dark fruit open up gradually over time. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2009 is endowed with superb energy and tension. It is also incredibly inward and in need of considerable cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2049. (Dec 2012)"
95 points Wine & Spirits: "The iron-rich red soils of this seven-acre, north-facing hillside produced a classic 2009. It starts off luscious and develops detail as it takes on air, building on the fresh red berry scents with notes of flowers and brisk edges of tannins. Streamlined and tightly focused in its structure, this is glorious cabernet. 508 cases. (Dec 2012)"
93 points Connoisseurs' Guide: "Diamond Creek's offerings are generally among the more sturdy and structured Cabernets of the vintage, yet as this well-crafted effort so capably shows, structure in no way contradicts polish. A lean and yet fairly muscular bottling with a tightly wound core of essential blackcurrant fruit framed deftly with oak, the wine hints at elements of dark soils and briar and is underpinned by plenty of fine tannins. It wants to be cellared for no fewer than a half-dozen years and will not show its best until a decade has passed. (Dec 2012)"
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$169.95
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WA 97
IWC 95
WS 93
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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List $200.00
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97+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Dominus has closed down quite a bit since I last tasted it. Today, all of the glorious fruit of the vintage is hiding behind a serious wall of tannin. The 2009 still possesses gorgeous inner perfume and plenty of sweetness, but little of the sexiness that will emerge over time. From time to time, the utter genius of the 2009 shows a glimpse of its potential. There is little doubt the 2009 will be a jewel once it awakens from what might very well be a long slumber. This is another wine that begs for patience. The 2009 is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039. (Dec 2012)"
95 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(blended with 10% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot): Good ruby-red color, more saturated than the Napanook. Knockout floral lift to the aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, blond tobacco, almond and mint. Suave, savory and extremely precise, with penetrating flavors of dark berries, licorice, minerals and cocoa powder. The petit verdot component acts as an amplifier of aromas and flavors, notes winemaker Tod Mostero, "like a good seasoning." Medicinal in a Bordeaux way. The finishes shows outstanding length, noteworthy juiciness, and firm, noble tannins. A great vintage for Dominus. (May 2012)"
93 points Wine Spectator: "Delightfully harmonious given its intensity, with complex aromas of savory herbs, flowers, ripe and dried currant and berry, crushed rock and cedar flavors. Well-proportioned, focused and persistent. Very youthful and vibrant. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2014 through 2030. (8/1/12)"
Producer notes: "The Dominus 2009 exemplifies the finest qualities of Cabernet Sauvignon from an ideal vintage. The nose, at once powerful yet restrained, is dense and filled with pure dark berry fruit and hints of sandalwood. On the palate is a harmonious blend of fresh plum and focused minerality with tannins that are firm, round and elegant. Spherical in quality, this wine is complete from start to finish. A sublime vintage. The 2009 vintage is composed of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot."
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$54.95
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WA 93
IWC 90
WE 90
United States
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Cabernet & Blends
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California
In stock, 12+ available
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93 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2009 Napanook is simply glorious. Sweet dark cherries, mint, tobacco, wild flowers and licorice all jump from the glass. The 2009 is a juicy, extroverted Napanook that impresses for its sheer pleasure and total harmony. Layers of fruit continue to build to the huge, creamy finish. As good as the 2009 is today, I have a hard time thinking it won't be better in another few years. If anything, this is too serious a wine for an entry-level offering. The 2009 is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Dec 2012)"
90 points Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar): "(cabernet sauvignon blended with 8% petit verdot and 5% cabernet franc): Good medium ruby-red. Cool, rather shy aromas of dark berries, licorice and pepper, with nuances of white fruits. Supple and spicy, with an herbal quality to the flavors of dark berries, spices and mint. Nicely fine-grained in the mouth but in a cool style. The slightly drying finish shows a good kick of tannins and calls for at least a couple years of patience. (May 2012)"
90 points Wine Enthusiast: "Elegantly smooth in the mouth, like silk and velvet--this has rich, forward blackberry, black currant and oak flavors. It feels dramatic and complex, a white-tablecloth Cabernet for pairing with fine meats and cheeses. Seems best now and for a couple more years. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2012)"
Producer notes: "The 2009 vintage is vibrant and complex, filled with notes of plum, black cherry and earthy tobacco. Pure and precise on the palate, aromas of chocolate and lightly toasted almond complement firm tannins throughout the long finish. The 2009 vintage is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot. This wine is created to be consumed young, and enjoyed with food, but will also age well for more than a decade."
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