Napa Valley, California
Dana Estates 2015 VASO Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Redcurrant and plum lead with sage, loam, tobacco box and warm spice. The palate opens on Bing cherry and dried herbs, then broadens through supple hillside tannins and a structured mid-palate. Ripe strawberry, forest floor and light mineral detail linger, giving the rich fruit a composed, savoury and persistent finish.
Eisele Vineyard 2016 Altagracia Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Rose petal and sandalwood open with dark cherry, blackberry, liquorice and tobacco. The palate is generous and ample, with sweet, racy tannins shaping black fruit, cassis and wild blueberry. Cinnamon, clove, violet and dusty earth add complexity, while iron-like mineral detail carries the long, perfumed finish with elegance and restraint.
Harlan Estate 2014 Proprietary Red Oakville Napa Valley
Blackcurrant, black cherry and crushed blackberry open with violet, graphite and rose petal. The full-bodied Cabernet blend is dense yet finely balanced, layering plum, mocha and liquorice over ultra-fine tannins. Forest floor, charcoal, dried herbs and warm spice add savoury depth, while mineral tension carries the rich fruit into a long, focused finish.
Wilson Foreigner 2017 Rancho Chimiles Valdiguié Napa Valley
Cranberry and tart cherry lead, lifted by white pepper and freshly cut tarragon, sage and rosemary. Concrete and neutral oak keep the fruit direct while adding gentle texture rather than overt wood. Bright natural acidity gives the palate a lively, thirst-quenching shape and carries the savoury herbs into a crisp finish.
Opus One 2013 Napa Valley
Concentrated and aromatic, with blueberry, cassis, blackberry and black cherry lifted by rose, anise, baking spice, graphite and cedar. A creamy entry gives way to vibrant freshness, velvety tannins and impressive mid-palate depth. Rich but precisely balanced, it finishes very long and perfumed; allow generous air and serve with prime rib, grilled lamb or wild mushrooms.
Frias 2014 Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Blueberry, blackberry and cassis lead, joined by crushed violet, licorice and a graphite-like mineral note. The palate is full-bodied and concentrated, with supple tannins carrying the dark fruit through a long, composed finish. Savoury herbs and measured oak add depth without crowding the fruit. Decant before serving with roast beef or lamb.
PlumpJack 2013 Syrah Napa Valley
Blackberry, mocha and liquorice open with bold, savoury depth. The palate layers smoky raspberry, grilled herbs and cracked pepper over a rich, structured frame. Ripe, generous tannins give the Syrah weight without hardening its edges, while balanced acidity keeps the dark fruit and spice focused through a long, confidently shaped finish.
Twomey 2013 Merlot Napa Valley
Black cherry, coffee and licorice open with creamy red fruit, followed by chocolate-covered cherry and a subtle savoury note. The palate is elegant and texturally plush, with velvety yet firm tannins keeping the Merlot focused rather than heavy. Red currant and plum carry into a fresh, composed finish.
Larkmead Vineyards 2016 Dr. Olmo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Wild blackberry, black cherry and blueberry compote rise from the glass with graphite, forest floor and purple flowers. Full-bodied yet remarkably nimble, the Cabernet layers macerated strawberry, bittersweet chocolate and espresso over firm, dusty tannins. Black tea, pepper and pomegranate emerge with air, leading to a gravelly cranberry finish with lasting savoury detail.
Frias Family Vineyard 2015 SMD Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District
Cassis and blueberry lead with fresh floral notes, graphite and pencil shavings. The palate is medium to full-bodied, layered and richly textured, bringing generous black fruit, baking spice and a savoury touch of aged meat. Tobacco, clove and forest floor deepen the profile, while balanced acidity carries the dense fruit into a long finish.
Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Napa Valley
Vivid and finely cut, with sweet red berries, black cherry and cassis joined by crushed rock, flowers, spice box and a savoury touch of sage. The palate is energetic rather than weighty, bringing vibrant acidity and fine tannins to a pure, concentrated core of fruit. Long, mineral and persistent on the finish, it rewards decanting and suits roast lamb or beef.
OVID 2016 Napa Valley Red Wine
Mulberry, crushed raspberry and black cherry open with liquorice, forest floor, mocha and lifted spice. The palate is dense and powerful yet remarkably poised, combining ripe black fruit with fresh acidity and firm, grainy tannins. Leather, menthol and mineral detail gather through a long, layered finish. Decant before serving with rib steak, braised beef or roast lamb.
Ilaria 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Dark chocolate leads a smoky, supple profile, with ripe raspberry and blackberry bringing freshness to the richer fruit. A small portion of Petit Verdot adds depth and structure without obscuring the Cabernet core. Soft in texture yet lengthy and composed, the palate closes with lingering dark fruit, cocoa and a gentle savoury warmth.