Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1991

Of all the American red wines that participated in the Judgement of Paris, it could be argued that Monte Bello has shown the greatest propensity to age. In fact, I would go as far as it requires lengthy cellaring to extract its best. I’ve had the good fortune to drink a number of tremendous vintages of Monte Bello over the last several years and this one has got to be at or near the top of the lot.

Opened and poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service and enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 1991 Monte Bello pours a deep ruby/purple color with an opaque core moving out towards a light ruby rim; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with gorgeous notes of ripe and tart black currants, mixed bramble fruit, tobacco, some purple flowers, dill, mint, leather, earth, vanilla and associated baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. The structure remains tremendous which again, seems to indicate youth. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is super long and immensely satisfying. This is one of those wines that will outlive most humans. Drinking well now with a short decant but this has the gas to see 2061 with ease.
— 8 days ago

Andrew, Tom and 15 others liked this

Château Musar

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2011

It’s 10 years since Serge. Hochar’s death whilst swimming in Acapulco on NYE 2014 and I think it’s appropriate to celebrate his legacy that is the modern Chateau Musar.
I first tasted Lebanese wines in London circa 1986 when I used to go to a couple of Lebanese restaurants in Shepherds Market near Mayfair in London
Al Hamra is still in business
I’ve been to Beirut several times and always stock up at the airport duty free
So a toast to a departed icon of the wine world
Since my last 2011 4.5 years ago (see note) this has aged wonderfully and I’ve up my rating several points
Another few years and it will be further improved
Optimal decant time was around 3.5 to 4 hours
Ethereal stuff
— a month ago

ESF, Bob and 1 other liked this

Dominus Estate

Dominus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Was handed a glass of this and without even knowing anything was incredibly impressed. Thought it to be a French wine too, had no inkling it was Napa Cab. Beautiful purple colors that showcases a robust and complex bouquet of blackberries, dark cherry, tobacco, and chocolate. Has some spices too but they are pinned back by the fruit. Medium tannins with medium+ acids, super smooth and well balanced. Vanilla cola, cedar, black currants and more tobacco and chocolate give it a robust and lively blend. Great finish! — a month ago

Andrew, Vin and 2 others liked this

Corison

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 vintage. PNP. Sultry and sexy. Light-medium/medium bod. The Corison Cabernets occupy a deliciously distinctive, Napa niche. This vintage is no less than that standard. Slightly less “busy” than the 2018, the 2019 continues to bring the must-have goods to market. Herbs, earth, woods, cassis, anise, kapow and blammo all easily found within. When you come across a jaded Napa Cab person (raises both hands), this baddy restores the faith. 01.20.25. — 6 days ago

Jan, Ted and 17 others liked this
Ericsson

Ericsson

Lovely

Stags' Leap Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Deep ruby color. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, baking spices and oak. Black fruit on the palate, plum and silky tannins on the finish.

🏅93 Points - Wine Advocate
— 3 days ago

Tom, Ron and 9 others liked this

Mount Veeder Winery

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Comfortable. Not overly complex, but has that “Napa” taste that we do enjoy. After a couple nights of items of great European wine, time to try domestic. — 15 days ago

Vanessa, Ron and 1 other liked this

Faust

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby with medium intensity. Black cherry, blackberry, blueberry, ripe black plum, black pepper, licorice, vanilla, leather. Full-bodied with high tannins and vibrant acidity. Opens beautifully with an hour or longer decant. Long finish with lingering spice. Overall good, and I’m sure this wine will improve with time.
— 17 days ago

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Highlight of the night! And a surprise to some degree. I kind off had given up on Lynch Bages. Given the high price, to me, the 2015 and 2016 were below expectation. But, boy, this 2018 rung all bells. Super concentrated, layers of evolving dark cherry, blueberry, current flavors and a superb balanced finish. All one could wish for. — 13 days ago

Tammy de Weerd
with Tammy
Jan, Edo and 14 others liked this

Silver Oak

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Deep ruby color. Aromas of cherry, blackberry, black currant and clove. Solid wine, flavors of black fruit, black currant with warm baking spices on the end.

🏅95 Points - Decanter
🏅94 Points - James Suckling
🏅91 Points - Wilfred Wong
— 4 days ago

Joseph, Tom and 15 others liked this
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

@Joseph Barsky -had the skirt steak chimichurri- it was ok, good selection of wine at this restaurant.
David T

David T Influencer Badge

@Joseph Barsky Try Compline in downtown Napa. Owned by two Master Sommeliers. Separate wine tasting/shop two spaces down. At the restaurant, make sure to start w/ their Duck Fat Fries. Cheers! 🍷
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

@David T - Sounds delicious! I’ll have to check that place out!

Château Rieussec

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2002

Shay A
9.1

*Color isn’t quite as dark as the picture shows*

Followed over a few days. Consistent profile.

From 375ml

Advanced caramel color with a tinge of orange. Thankfully, aromatics are as expected with orange marmalade, caramel and toffee. Viscous and weighty profile with low acidity. Faint notes of honey roasted nuts on the palate, but it’s mostly an orange marmalade, caramel and apricot dominated profile. Finish shows good length for what is considered an off-vintage, with the apricot and some bourbon vanilla. Good on its own. Drink now.
— 6 days ago

Ira, Tom and 23 others liked this