Adjoining to the north is the Diamond Mountain District.The eastern mountains With Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak positioned several miles southeast.Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons have developed a reputation for excellence which is generally well deserved based on the overall quality of the wines produced in the past 20-30 years. Like this article? Break Dancing. Beaulieu Vineyard, or BV as its widely called, is recognized as one of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, in addition to its prestige as one of the most iconic producers of cabernet sauvignon wines in the region. Parallel Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 68. A Certified Specialist of Wine and Sommelier, Hana-Lee specializes in all things wine, food, and travel, and her work regularly appears in publications such as The Tasting Panel, Edible, and Food & Home. Recent wine ratings and reviews from users around the world. The 2018 vintage shows the world that Napas best wines can emphasize depth and richness without being overpowering. Jeb Dunnuck, of jebdunnuck.com, echoes the sentiment about Napas 2018 Cabernetselegant wines, he says, that shine for their purity and freshness while still bringing solid depth of fruit and concentration. [wines that] at times can have an almost Bordeaux-like character in their tannins, acids and textures.. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. 2022 The Fifty Best, Inc. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. Such purity. The most known of the two is HALL St. Helena, Californias first LEED Gold Certified winery, which features a one-of-a-kind Bunny Foo-Foo statue, along with over 35 pieces of contemporary art, an expansive lawn, and modern architectural details. David Arthur Three Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, David Arthur Three Acre Cabernet Sauvignon, 86. Incredible elegance paired with full-bodied power, building tannins and a great, great finish. Their flagship wine, FORTIS Cabernet Sauvignon, represents the best blocks of the vineyards and is characterized by its complex fruit flavors, plush mouthfeel, and age-worthy structure. Full-bodied with a tight center palate, then it opens with a tannin structure that is weightless and spreads across the palate. Its so complex and changes all the time in the glass. Silver Medal, Reynolds Family Winery2010 Cabernet Sauvignon(Silverado Trail) $48This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the Reynolds Family Estate Vineyard and aged in French oak for 18 months before bottling.Aroma: Dark fruits, plum, cherry, complex port notes, licorice, leather, oak, earthy, mineral, harmonious.Palate: Dark cherries, plum, sweet red apple, fruit balanced with oak, violets, bell pepper, vegetative, leather, allspice.Finish: Red cherry, ginger, tannic, short. Strict tasting rules were applied. Veeder) $55Produced from grapes grown on the Hess Veder Hills Vineyard, at an altitude of 600-1,200 feet above sea level - with steep slopes and sedimentary clay and shale soil producing small berries with intense fruit flavors.Aroma: Blueberries, black cherries, ripe black plum, jammy, floral, hints of bell pepper.Palate: Berries, ripe fruit, prunes, slight chocolate, light leather, soft tart plum skins, mint, mineral, light tannins.Finish: Spice, almond, vanilla, leather, creamy, cocoa, soft, smooth, short. Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Hundred Acre Kayli Morgan Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 73. Here, youll find good Cabernet Sauvignon wines youll want to share with your friends. Phylloxera decimated much of the vineyard acreage, and the dawn of Prohibition in 1920 virtually closed the door on Napa's burgeoning wine industry. Firm, smooth tannins and a long finish. Jeb Dunnuck, This 2016 strides confidently out of the glass with expressive notions of blueberry preserves, Black Forest cake, cassis and cedar chest with touches of pencil lead, licorice, violets and sandalwood plus an exotic waft of Indian spices. Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 98. Jeb Dunnuck, A full-bodied, structured red with black currant, violet, dark chocolate and burnt-orange aromas. Jeb Dunnuck, This is incredible on the nose, offering hot stones, black currants, iodine and wet earth. They include:The valley floor Highway 29 Districts: Coombsville, Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville (the heart & soul of Napa), Rutherford, St. Helena, Calistoga to the north.The western mountains The Mayacamas boasts three AVAs. Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon, 89. Whether for work or play, she never tires of exploring California wine country. James Suckling, This literally off-the-charts effort is as good as Cabernet Sauvignon gets, offering complex blueberry and blackberry fruits, violets, bay leaf and forest floor aromas and flavors. Discover the Top 100 Most popular Cabernet Sauvignon worldwide over $100. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, Photo: Courtesy of Maybach Family Vineyards, The 2018 Materium comes from the Weitz Vineyard in Oakville and is all Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in mostly new barrels. But the region's wine industry suffered devastating setbacks in the early 20th Century. Nickel & Nickel C. C. Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel C. C. Ranch Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon, 13. Subscribe now and save. 
Their flagship wine, The Leap, is a classically styled cabernet filled with rich layers of cassis, blackberry, baking spices, and chocolate, with a smooth, lithe texture. Savory. Ghost Block Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Ghost Block Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 93. Double-Gold Medal, Levendi Winery2009 Sweetwater Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon(Oak Knoll) $45Produced from grapes grown in the foothills of Napas slightly cooler Oak Knoll District, which is noted for less tannic, fruit forward easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon wines.Aroma: Cherry, cassis, fruity, chocolate bar, floral, spice, hint of tobacco.Palate: Currants, plums, berries, pomegranate, roses, cocoa, coffee, tobacco, hint of leather, lush, full, very well-balanced.Finish: Flavorful, tannic, long. Since purchasing the property in 1992, Cam and Kate Solari Baker have transformed Larkmead into the reputable winery it is today and continue to push the boundaries of whats possible from this estate. James Suckling, Bottled under screw cap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is certainly a worthy follow-up to the monumental 2015. Buoncristiani Cabernet Sauvignon Cream, 99. Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 31. Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon Library 2002, 69. walla abcnews Silver Medal, Smith-Madrone2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Spring Mountain) $46From grapes grown at the top of Spring Mountain (1,000 foot elevation above sea level) in soil containing sedimentary rock and volcanic elements, this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc is aged for 21 months in a mix of French and American oak prior to bottling.Aroma: Grassy, green bell pepper, peppery, jalapeo, fruity, berries, vanilla, mixed flowers, spice, hay, leather, lovely oak.Palate: Plums, mushroom, leather, tobacco, oak, creamy, lovely wood, opulent.Finish: Cocoa, light white pepper, leather, tart, medium. Jeb Dunnuck, From the famous Oakville site, this aged wine spends three years in 100% new French oak, one in neutral oak and an additional year in bottle. The judges wrote down their impressions of each wine on score sheets. 
Some conifer and pine needles. Say what you will about the soundness of wine critics 100-point scale (and I have: Is a 94-point wine objectively better than a 93? Silver Medal, Carpe Diem2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Yountville) $25The grapes for this wine were sourced from select vineyards across Napa Valley, with oak used sparingly to allow the wine to maintain its vibrancy and freshness.Aroma: Cranberry, green bell pepper, red pepper, leather, hint of tobacco.Palate: Cassis, cherry, currants, fruit forward, bell pepper, slightly floral, earthy, leather, oak.Finish: Blackberry, tobacco, earth, wood, crisp, short. Hide bottles for 45 years and it will keep for 3+ decades. Hana-Lee Sedgwick is a writer and editor based in Santa Barbara, California. Clos Du Val Estate Hirondelle Vineyard Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val Estate Hirondelle Vineyard Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 33. Totally integrated on the palate. If the higher end bottlings are out of your price range, try Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet, an approachable (and more affordably priced) alternative. Finish: Ginger, slightly tart, black pepper, mushroom, mineral, oak, soft, gentle, balanced, short. Leading with the philosophy, If you take care of the vines, the vines will take care of you, the Czapleskis have earned much praise for their wines, including their zinfandel (from 135-year-old dry farmed vines) and cabernet sauvignon wines. And they invariably have an indefinable quality beyond known descriptors that renders the reviewers a little breathlessunbelievable, possibly, considering that these critics taste thousands of wines every year, but also believable, ironically, because they do. Amazingly, theyre available (the wines, not the critics). But the region's wine industry suffered devastating setbacks in the early 20th Century. Gold Medal, SILVER MEDAL WINNERS: Hess Collection2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. The character is full of blackberry, black currant and lead pencil. Robb Recommends: This Napa Cab Is the Best Wine to Drink With Your Burger This Summer, On a Tiny Tuscan Island, Inmates Work to Rehabilitate by Making Delicious Wine, One of Americas Most Interesting Winemakers Just Debuted New Central Coast Rhne Varietals, From the Mojito to the Mai Tai: 8 Refreshing Rum Cocktails to Help You Beat the Summer Heat, Taste Test: Laphroaigs Newest Whisky Proves Single Malts Dont Have to be Old to Be Good. One of the reference points for the vintage. Silver Medal. Includes access to the digital magazine. Double Gold Medal, Calistoga Cellars2011 Louer Family Cabernet Sauvignon(St. Helena) $50Made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the prized Louer Family Vineyard, this wine was aged in French oak barrels for 24 months and then blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Merlot.Aroma: Blueberry, blackberry, cassis, plum, raisin, leather, eucalyptus, menthol, floral.Palate: Sweet dark cherries, red currant, juicy, lush, hint of milk chocolate, toast, black ginger, earthy, oaky, tannic, complex, well integrated.Finish: Eucalyptus, mushroom, light tobacco, leather, hint of new oak, tannic, long. Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon Library 2004. 
A 100 is an unequivocal statement that, in that reviewers mind, the winefrom that place and timecouldnt possibly be any better. The rich, densely packed, full-bodied palate is at once thrillingly hedonistic and perfectly poised, featuring a rock-solid frame of firm, exquisitely ripe tannins and tons of freshness, finishing epically long and with stunning opulence. Theyre fresh and focused but rich and complex. Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. toth alexandra Nickel & Nickel Hayne Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel Hayne Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 55. The Tasting:The Fifty Best held a recent release blind tasting of 27 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons with 16 pre-qualified wine judges. It reminds me of the 2009 Chteau Haut-Bailly with its rare mix of richness and power, and while it was brought up in almost all new French oak, you wouldnt know it by tasting it. If this year has depleted the first-string bottles in your cellar a little faster than usual, these 100-pointers are poised to fill those vacancies, with supporting arguments in the critics own words. Gold Medal, Atlas Peak2011 Napa Valley Cabernet(Atlas Peak) $42Blended from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes(and small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah) sourced from a number of Napa Valley locations, including Atlas Peak, Spring and Howell Mountains, this wine was bottled without filtration from lots aged 28 months in new and one-year-old French oak barrels.Aroma: Berry, mixed berries, cassis, green peppercorn, red pepper, leather, earthy, moss, hint of hay.Palate: Ripe cherry, dark cherries, raspberry, cassis, mint, pepper, leather, light oak. 
2022 WineCountry Media, LLC. Their selection of cabernet wines are much loved by critics and wine lovers alike, regularly striking the perfect balance of ripe fruit, earth, and savory characters. Tours and tastings are offered by appointment daily at this beautiful winery, from group experiences to guided private tastings. So long-lasting and layered. Its a candidate for the wine of the vintage and should be snatched up by readers. Head to their industrial chic winery, located in Napas Crusher District just a few minutes from downtown, to enjoy a private tour, a tasting of current releases, and even samples straight from the barrel. Most vintners report that grapes were picked with lower sugars than normal making for lower alcohol wines, many of which are very elegant.2012 A classic vintage, with adequate rainfall, moderate summer temperatures and a warm harvest season allowing for grapes in most area to uniformly reach full maturity without much intervention. Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 92. Gold Medal, Heritance Vintners2010 Cabernet Sauvignon(Napa Valley) $36From a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine was aged 20 months in 1-4 year-old, mostly medium-toast French oak barrels and some American oak barrels before bottling.Aroma: Delicate blueberry, dark fruits, cassis, floral, chocolatey, leather, mushroom, earthy, spice, wood, oak.Palate: Bright black cherry, cherry, fruity, violets, oaky, oak barrel, spicy, hint of tobacco, well balanced, pleasant.Finish: Juicy, light pepper, bell pepper, tobacco, soft, balanced, short. The only downside was that some of the grapes grown at higher elevation vineyards showed uneven ripening.2011 A very difficult year with much smaller than normal yields because of a large amount of rainfall in the spring, a quite cold summer, and rain again in the harvest season. Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon Plus Game, 39. Finish: Tart cherry, mushroom, mineral, light, medium. I followed this bottle for three days and it never showed a hint of oxidation. Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, 18. Known for their depth and expressive character, Round Ponds cabernets range in profile, from the Old World meets New World Rutherford Estate Cabernet to the finessed and age-worthy Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Subscribe to RR1 Live+ for exclusive virtual events all year long (at least 1 per month), conversations with Robb Report editors, special perks, and more. Janzen Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Janzen Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 90. The most recent releases here are from 2018, a year James Suckling, of jamessuckling.com, calls the new benchmark for [Napa Valley], producing so many harmonious and balanced reds that are reminiscent of some of the great wines from the 1970s and 1980s. Prices indicated do not include tax. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded based on a set range of final point scores received from the judges. Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauv, 26. Silver Medal, Trinchero Family Estates2011 Central Park West Cabernet Sauvignon(St. Helena) $48Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on a 13-acre vineyard at the southern end of the St. Helena sub-appellation (and hand-picked over a month), this wine underwent 18 months of barrel aging in 100% French oak (75% new) before release.Aroma: Cherry, blueberry, cassis, carnations, floral, mushroom, slightly vegetal, earth, oak, mineral. Paratus Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paratus Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 15. Such precision and elegance. This comfortable indoor lounge features rotating art exhibits, such as portraits of classic rock artists, as well as access to some of the most coveted of Cliff Ledes wines. Needless to say, a visit to this historic winery is a must for cabernet aficionados, who will appreciate the cabernet-focused tasting experiences offered. Since many sell for upwards of $75 a bottle (retail), with prices in restaurants not uncommonly exceeding $150 a bottle, for even current vintages - many of these wines appeal primarily to connoisseurs, especially collectors. Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, 5. 
Chteau Margauxlike in its elegance and complexity, this brilliant wine has loads of sweet fruit, flawless integration of its tannins and acidity, flawless balance and just a heavenly overall profile that I wish every reader could taste. The order of service for each vintage group was established beforehand by lottery. Though they produce a few different varietals, such as merlot, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc, Crosby Roamann is most known for its Reserve Cabernet. And, in keeping with the theme, expect rock music playing on the speakers as you savor sips of compelling cabs. Within the Napa Valley appellation exist 16 appellations or districts, each with different conditions producing very different wines. It shows an unmistakable crispness of red fruit, orange peel and stone, all honed by a grippy, generous palate. You dont have to be a wine lover to appreciate Cliff Lede where music, art, architecture, and wine intersect but serious oenophiles certainly appreciate the winerys selection of limited-production wines the most critically-acclaimed of which are the Platinum cabernet sauvignons. Its deep purple/ruby-colored, full-bodied, deep and opulent on the palate, with terrific elegance as well as a rich, complex earthiness that develops with time in the glass. DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:Hensley Family Vineyards2010 Reserve "The Don" Cabernet Sauvignon(Mt. Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge Vineyards is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, recognized for producing distinct and powerful cabernet sauvignon wines. While value can be hard to define and depends on many factors, the below list encompasses wines I believe punch well above the price point, and these all compete with wines at 2 to 3 times the price. Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, 49. There were no bronze medals awarded for this tasting.The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. 
Gold Medal, Amizetta Estate Winery2011 Complexity(Howell Mountain) $55Using sustainable practices, for over the past 30 years Amizetta and Spencer Clark have been producing 100% Cabernet Sauvignons from a steep, rocky, terraced hillside parcel of land with an elevation of over 1,000 feet.Aroma: Dark cherries, plums, cassis, fresh berries, cedar, leather, slight mint.Palate: Plums, bright cherry, cassis, currants, jammy, vanilla, bell pepper, tobacco, oak, well balanced, smooth.Finish: Creamy vanilla, green peppercorn, tannic, oak, light, smooth, lingering. From their sustainably-grown, dry farmed grapes, the Czapleskis craft single-vineyard varietal wines and proprietary blends, each highlighting the unique characters of the terroir. Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, 35. Gold Medal, B Side2012 Cabernet Sauvignon(The Valley's Eastern Hillsides) $25From the iconic Don Sebastiani & Sons, the majority of grapes used for this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Verdot and 4% Merlot are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Oak Knoll, Calistoga and Yountville.Aroma: Strawberry, rhubarb, orange zest, fruity, chocolate, leather, cedar, oak.Palate: Coffee, chocolate, rhubarb, fruity, berries, orange, light ginger, big.Finish: Light cherry, tart berries, minty, easy, long. Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, 50. At their Winery & Hospitality House, located just south of Yountville, a guided tour and tasting is the best way to see first-hand the meticulous thought and planning that went into making Mira what it is today. However, its not a classic Rocks wine, and the exotic funkiness is largely concealed behind classic Cabernet typicity. Goes on for minutes. Though itll cost you a pretty penny $200 per person to be exact Nickel & Nickels Terroir Tasting is a must for serious cabernet fans, offering the rare chance to explore eight of the winerys 100% cabernet sauvignons in a north-to-south comparative tasting. Named one of the 75 Best Wineries to Visit in California by Food & Wine, visitors can choose from the 60-minute Estate Tasting featuring five current release wines, or the Cellar 47 Tour and Tasting, which includes tour through the European-inspired cave as well as a selection of estate cabernet sauvignons. Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain District, directly west of St. Helena. Follow her on Instagram at @wanderandwine or visit her blog, wanderandwine.com. Photo: Courtesy of Lail Vineyards; Courtesy of Continuum; ourtesy of Maybach Family Vineyards; Courtesy of Bevan Cellars. Theyre built to age for decades yet tempting to drink right now. Gold Medal, Napa Cellars2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Various) $26From grapes sourced from a variety of Napa Valley vineyard areas, particularly Atlas Peak and Spring Mountain, this blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot was aged in French oak for 8 months before bottling.Aroma: Cassis, apricot, fruity, butterscotch, floral, rich spice, cinnamon, mint, woody.Palate: Currants, cherries, citrus fruit, licorice, earthy, oak.Finish: Peach, nectarine, cinnamon, light, short. Organically grown grapes. It's been nearly 175 years since the first wine grapes were planted in Napa Valley. This is another monumental wine from this team that needs to be tasted to be believed. Disclaimer: This section of the website is intended for visitors 21 years of age and older.If you are not of legal drinking age, please exit by clicking here. Enjoy 20242034. Hundred Acre Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon, 46. Stags Leap Wine Cellars highly rated cabs, such as the Cask 23, tend to find a nice balance between rich fruit and savory notes, revealing luscious texture and length on the finish. The appelations are identified for each brand. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but its one for the cellar. Sage at the end, too. jantoo dislike The descriptions backing critics recent perfect scores for West Coast Cabernet Sauvignons make it clear that the wines manage seemingly incompatible disparities. Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 76. Youll also discover the best red wine to invest in and the most delicious vintage to drink this year. Each of the wines were poured into fresh wine glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Heitz Cellars Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellars Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon, 56. Hundred Acre Ark Cabernet Napa Valley, 19. Vine/Vein Cabernet Sauvignon, Revolver E.R. Using fruit sourced from Harmony School Vineyard in Coombsville, this limited-production cabernet is pressed entirely by hand (in an old hand-crank press) and spends 24 months in new French oak. Revolver E.R. Finish: Tart cherry, licorice, tannic, soft, balanced, long.Silver Medal, Cultivar2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Various) $26With grapes sourced from the St. Helena, Howell Mountain and Rutherford Napa Valley sub-appellations, this wine is aged for 12 months (33% in new French oak and 65% in 1-2 year-old barrels) and then bottled.Aroma: Dark fruit, dark cherries, plums, cassis, berries, green pepper, mint, tobacco, leather, bright.Palate: Ripe fruit, plums, berries, vanilla, coffee, bell pepper.Finish: Hint of black pepper, wood, pleasant, tannic.Silver Medal, Clos Du Val2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Stags Leap) $35From a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah this wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (25% new) before bottling.Aroma: Light cherries, strawberry, cassis, grape lollipop, spearmint, earthy notes, oak, wood.Palate: Red dark berries, cassis, fresh fruit, dark unripe plums, vanilla, clove, anise, soft tobacco, dusty, leather, easy, approachable. A stunning wine from Stags Leap District. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Tasting like a great bottle of Chteau Lafite, the 2017 La Joie is based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon and brought up, I suspect, in mostly new French oak.
Their flagship wine, The Leap, is a classically styled cabernet filled with rich layers of cassis, blackberry, baking spices, and chocolate, with a smooth, lithe texture. Savory. Ghost Block Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Ghost Block Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 93. Double-Gold Medal, Levendi Winery2009 Sweetwater Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon(Oak Knoll) $45Produced from grapes grown in the foothills of Napas slightly cooler Oak Knoll District, which is noted for less tannic, fruit forward easy-drinking Cabernet Sauvignon wines.Aroma: Cherry, cassis, fruity, chocolate bar, floral, spice, hint of tobacco.Palate: Currants, plums, berries, pomegranate, roses, cocoa, coffee, tobacco, hint of leather, lush, full, very well-balanced.Finish: Flavorful, tannic, long. Since purchasing the property in 1992, Cam and Kate Solari Baker have transformed Larkmead into the reputable winery it is today and continue to push the boundaries of whats possible from this estate. James Suckling, Bottled under screw cap, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is certainly a worthy follow-up to the monumental 2015. Buoncristiani Cabernet Sauvignon Cream, 99. Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Kathryn Kennedy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 31. Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon Library 2002, 69. walla abcnews Silver Medal, Smith-Madrone2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Spring Mountain) $46From grapes grown at the top of Spring Mountain (1,000 foot elevation above sea level) in soil containing sedimentary rock and volcanic elements, this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc is aged for 21 months in a mix of French and American oak prior to bottling.Aroma: Grassy, green bell pepper, peppery, jalapeo, fruity, berries, vanilla, mixed flowers, spice, hay, leather, lovely oak.Palate: Plums, mushroom, leather, tobacco, oak, creamy, lovely wood, opulent.Finish: Cocoa, light white pepper, leather, tart, medium. Jeb Dunnuck, From the famous Oakville site, this aged wine spends three years in 100% new French oak, one in neutral oak and an additional year in bottle. The judges wrote down their impressions of each wine on score sheets. Some conifer and pine needles. Say what you will about the soundness of wine critics 100-point scale (and I have: Is a 94-point wine objectively better than a 93? Silver Medal, Carpe Diem2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Yountville) $25The grapes for this wine were sourced from select vineyards across Napa Valley, with oak used sparingly to allow the wine to maintain its vibrancy and freshness.Aroma: Cranberry, green bell pepper, red pepper, leather, hint of tobacco.Palate: Cassis, cherry, currants, fruit forward, bell pepper, slightly floral, earthy, leather, oak.Finish: Blackberry, tobacco, earth, wood, crisp, short. Hide bottles for 45 years and it will keep for 3+ decades. Hana-Lee Sedgwick is a writer and editor based in Santa Barbara, California. Clos Du Val Estate Hirondelle Vineyard Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, Clos Du Val Estate Hirondelle Vineyard Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, 33. Totally integrated on the palate. If the higher end bottlings are out of your price range, try Stags Leap Napa Valley Cabernet, an approachable (and more affordably priced) alternative. Finish: Ginger, slightly tart, black pepper, mushroom, mineral, oak, soft, gentle, balanced, short. Leading with the philosophy, If you take care of the vines, the vines will take care of you, the Czapleskis have earned much praise for their wines, including their zinfandel (from 135-year-old dry farmed vines) and cabernet sauvignon wines. And they invariably have an indefinable quality beyond known descriptors that renders the reviewers a little breathlessunbelievable, possibly, considering that these critics taste thousands of wines every year, but also believable, ironically, because they do. Amazingly, theyre available (the wines, not the critics). But the region's wine industry suffered devastating setbacks in the early 20th Century. Gold Medal, SILVER MEDAL WINNERS: Hess Collection2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. The character is full of blackberry, black currant and lead pencil. Robb Recommends: This Napa Cab Is the Best Wine to Drink With Your Burger This Summer, On a Tiny Tuscan Island, Inmates Work to Rehabilitate by Making Delicious Wine, One of Americas Most Interesting Winemakers Just Debuted New Central Coast Rhne Varietals, From the Mojito to the Mai Tai: 8 Refreshing Rum Cocktails to Help You Beat the Summer Heat, Taste Test: Laphroaigs Newest Whisky Proves Single Malts Dont Have to be Old to Be Good. One of the reference points for the vintage. Silver Medal. Includes access to the digital magazine. Double Gold Medal, Calistoga Cellars2011 Louer Family Cabernet Sauvignon(St. Helena) $50Made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the prized Louer Family Vineyard, this wine was aged in French oak barrels for 24 months and then blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah and Merlot.Aroma: Blueberry, blackberry, cassis, plum, raisin, leather, eucalyptus, menthol, floral.Palate: Sweet dark cherries, red currant, juicy, lush, hint of milk chocolate, toast, black ginger, earthy, oaky, tannic, complex, well integrated.Finish: Eucalyptus, mushroom, light tobacco, leather, hint of new oak, tannic, long. Burgess Cabernet Sauvignon Library 2004. A 100 is an unequivocal statement that, in that reviewers mind, the winefrom that place and timecouldnt possibly be any better. The rich, densely packed, full-bodied palate is at once thrillingly hedonistic and perfectly poised, featuring a rock-solid frame of firm, exquisitely ripe tannins and tons of freshness, finishing epically long and with stunning opulence. Theyre fresh and focused but rich and complex. Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, Rombauer Vineyards Diamond Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 4. toth alexandra Nickel & Nickel Hayne Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel Hayne Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 55. The Tasting:The Fifty Best held a recent release blind tasting of 27 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons with 16 pre-qualified wine judges. It reminds me of the 2009 Chteau Haut-Bailly with its rare mix of richness and power, and while it was brought up in almost all new French oak, you wouldnt know it by tasting it. If this year has depleted the first-string bottles in your cellar a little faster than usual, these 100-pointers are poised to fill those vacancies, with supporting arguments in the critics own words. Gold Medal, Atlas Peak2011 Napa Valley Cabernet(Atlas Peak) $42Blended from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes(and small amounts of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah and Petite Sirah) sourced from a number of Napa Valley locations, including Atlas Peak, Spring and Howell Mountains, this wine was bottled without filtration from lots aged 28 months in new and one-year-old French oak barrels.Aroma: Berry, mixed berries, cassis, green peppercorn, red pepper, leather, earthy, moss, hint of hay.Palate: Ripe cherry, dark cherries, raspberry, cassis, mint, pepper, leather, light oak. 
2022 WineCountry Media, LLC. Their selection of cabernet wines are much loved by critics and wine lovers alike, regularly striking the perfect balance of ripe fruit, earth, and savory characters. Tours and tastings are offered by appointment daily at this beautiful winery, from group experiences to guided private tastings. So long-lasting and layered. Its a candidate for the wine of the vintage and should be snatched up by readers. Head to their industrial chic winery, located in Napas Crusher District just a few minutes from downtown, to enjoy a private tour, a tasting of current releases, and even samples straight from the barrel. Most vintners report that grapes were picked with lower sugars than normal making for lower alcohol wines, many of which are very elegant.2012 A classic vintage, with adequate rainfall, moderate summer temperatures and a warm harvest season allowing for grapes in most area to uniformly reach full maturity without much intervention. Altamura Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 92. Gold Medal, Heritance Vintners2010 Cabernet Sauvignon(Napa Valley) $36From a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, this wine was aged 20 months in 1-4 year-old, mostly medium-toast French oak barrels and some American oak barrels before bottling.Aroma: Delicate blueberry, dark fruits, cassis, floral, chocolatey, leather, mushroom, earthy, spice, wood, oak.Palate: Bright black cherry, cherry, fruity, violets, oaky, oak barrel, spicy, hint of tobacco, well balanced, pleasant.Finish: Juicy, light pepper, bell pepper, tobacco, soft, balanced, short. The only downside was that some of the grapes grown at higher elevation vineyards showed uneven ripening.2011 A very difficult year with much smaller than normal yields because of a large amount of rainfall in the spring, a quite cold summer, and rain again in the harvest season. Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon Plus Game, 39. Finish: Tart cherry, mushroom, mineral, light, medium. I followed this bottle for three days and it never showed a hint of oxidation. Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, Pine Ridge Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon, 18. Known for their depth and expressive character, Round Ponds cabernets range in profile, from the Old World meets New World Rutherford Estate Cabernet to the finessed and age-worthy Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Subscribe to RR1 Live+ for exclusive virtual events all year long (at least 1 per month), conversations with Robb Report editors, special perks, and more. Janzen Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Janzen Missouri Hopper Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 90. The most recent releases here are from 2018, a year James Suckling, of jamessuckling.com, calls the new benchmark for [Napa Valley], producing so many harmonious and balanced reds that are reminiscent of some of the great wines from the 1970s and 1980s. Prices indicated do not include tax. Double-Gold, Gold and Silver medals are awarded based on a set range of final point scores received from the judges. Beringer Founders Estate Cabernet Sauv, 26. Silver Medal, Trinchero Family Estates2011 Central Park West Cabernet Sauvignon(St. Helena) $48Produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown on a 13-acre vineyard at the southern end of the St. Helena sub-appellation (and hand-picked over a month), this wine underwent 18 months of barrel aging in 100% French oak (75% new) before release.Aroma: Cherry, blueberry, cassis, carnations, floral, mushroom, slightly vegetal, earth, oak, mineral. Paratus Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paratus Mount Veeder Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 15. Such precision and elegance. This comfortable indoor lounge features rotating art exhibits, such as portraits of classic rock artists, as well as access to some of the most coveted of Cliff Ledes wines. Needless to say, a visit to this historic winery is a must for cabernet aficionados, who will appreciate the cabernet-focused tasting experiences offered. Since many sell for upwards of $75 a bottle (retail), with prices in restaurants not uncommonly exceeding $150 a bottle, for even current vintages - many of these wines appeal primarily to connoisseurs, especially collectors. Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, Louis M. Martini Lot 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, 5. Chteau Margauxlike in its elegance and complexity, this brilliant wine has loads of sweet fruit, flawless integration of its tannins and acidity, flawless balance and just a heavenly overall profile that I wish every reader could taste. The order of service for each vintage group was established beforehand by lottery. Though they produce a few different varietals, such as merlot, chardonnay, and sauvignon blanc, Crosby Roamann is most known for its Reserve Cabernet. And, in keeping with the theme, expect rock music playing on the speakers as you savor sips of compelling cabs. Within the Napa Valley appellation exist 16 appellations or districts, each with different conditions producing very different wines. It shows an unmistakable crispness of red fruit, orange peel and stone, all honed by a grippy, generous palate. You dont have to be a wine lover to appreciate Cliff Lede where music, art, architecture, and wine intersect but serious oenophiles certainly appreciate the winerys selection of limited-production wines the most critically-acclaimed of which are the Platinum cabernet sauvignons. Its deep purple/ruby-colored, full-bodied, deep and opulent on the palate, with terrific elegance as well as a rich, complex earthiness that develops with time in the glass. DOUBLE-GOLD MEDAL WINNERS:Hensley Family Vineyards2010 Reserve "The Don" Cabernet Sauvignon(Mt. Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge Vineyards is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, recognized for producing distinct and powerful cabernet sauvignon wines. While value can be hard to define and depends on many factors, the below list encompasses wines I believe punch well above the price point, and these all compete with wines at 2 to 3 times the price. Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, 49. There were no bronze medals awarded for this tasting.The tasting notes that follow are summaries of the judges opinions, with all replicated commentary eliminated. Gold Medal, Amizetta Estate Winery2011 Complexity(Howell Mountain) $55Using sustainable practices, for over the past 30 years Amizetta and Spencer Clark have been producing 100% Cabernet Sauvignons from a steep, rocky, terraced hillside parcel of land with an elevation of over 1,000 feet.Aroma: Dark cherries, plums, cassis, fresh berries, cedar, leather, slight mint.Palate: Plums, bright cherry, cassis, currants, jammy, vanilla, bell pepper, tobacco, oak, well balanced, smooth.Finish: Creamy vanilla, green peppercorn, tannic, oak, light, smooth, lingering. From their sustainably-grown, dry farmed grapes, the Czapleskis craft single-vineyard varietal wines and proprietary blends, each highlighting the unique characters of the terroir. Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Araujo Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, 35. Gold Medal, B Side2012 Cabernet Sauvignon(The Valley's Eastern Hillsides) $25From the iconic Don Sebastiani & Sons, the majority of grapes used for this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Verdot and 4% Merlot are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Oak Knoll, Calistoga and Yountville.Aroma: Strawberry, rhubarb, orange zest, fruity, chocolate, leather, cedar, oak.Palate: Coffee, chocolate, rhubarb, fruity, berries, orange, light ginger, big.Finish: Light cherry, tart berries, minty, easy, long. Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, Kobalt Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, 50. At their Winery & Hospitality House, located just south of Yountville, a guided tour and tasting is the best way to see first-hand the meticulous thought and planning that went into making Mira what it is today. However, its not a classic Rocks wine, and the exotic funkiness is largely concealed behind classic Cabernet typicity. Goes on for minutes. Though itll cost you a pretty penny $200 per person to be exact Nickel & Nickels Terroir Tasting is a must for serious cabernet fans, offering the rare chance to explore eight of the winerys 100% cabernet sauvignons in a north-to-south comparative tasting. Named one of the 75 Best Wineries to Visit in California by Food & Wine, visitors can choose from the 60-minute Estate Tasting featuring five current release wines, or the Cellar 47 Tour and Tasting, which includes tour through the European-inspired cave as well as a selection of estate cabernet sauvignons. Mount Veeder, Spring Mountain District, directly west of St. Helena. Follow her on Instagram at @wanderandwine or visit her blog, wanderandwine.com. Photo: Courtesy of Lail Vineyards; Courtesy of Continuum; ourtesy of Maybach Family Vineyards; Courtesy of Bevan Cellars. Theyre built to age for decades yet tempting to drink right now. Gold Medal, Napa Cellars2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Various) $26From grapes sourced from a variety of Napa Valley vineyard areas, particularly Atlas Peak and Spring Mountain, this blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot was aged in French oak for 8 months before bottling.Aroma: Cassis, apricot, fruity, butterscotch, floral, rich spice, cinnamon, mint, woody.Palate: Currants, cherries, citrus fruit, licorice, earthy, oak.Finish: Peach, nectarine, cinnamon, light, short. Organically grown grapes. It's been nearly 175 years since the first wine grapes were planted in Napa Valley. This is another monumental wine from this team that needs to be tasted to be believed. Disclaimer: This section of the website is intended for visitors 21 years of age and older.If you are not of legal drinking age, please exit by clicking here. Enjoy 20242034. Hundred Acre Wraith Cabernet Sauvignon, 46. Stags Leap Wine Cellars highly rated cabs, such as the Cask 23, tend to find a nice balance between rich fruit and savory notes, revealing luscious texture and length on the finish. The appelations are identified for each brand. Drinkable now and please try a bottle, but its one for the cellar. Sage at the end, too. jantoo dislike The descriptions backing critics recent perfect scores for West Coast Cabernet Sauvignons make it clear that the wines manage seemingly incompatible disparities. Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Nickel & Nickel State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, 76. Youll also discover the best red wine to invest in and the most delicious vintage to drink this year. Each of the wines were poured into fresh wine glasses from new sealed bottles, and served at room temperature. Heitz Cellars Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon, Heitz Cellars Trailside Cabernet Sauvignon, 56. Hundred Acre Ark Cabernet Napa Valley, 19. Vine/Vein Cabernet Sauvignon, Revolver E.R. Using fruit sourced from Harmony School Vineyard in Coombsville, this limited-production cabernet is pressed entirely by hand (in an old hand-crank press) and spends 24 months in new French oak. Revolver E.R. Finish: Tart cherry, licorice, tannic, soft, balanced, long.Silver Medal, Cultivar2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Various) $26With grapes sourced from the St. Helena, Howell Mountain and Rutherford Napa Valley sub-appellations, this wine is aged for 12 months (33% in new French oak and 65% in 1-2 year-old barrels) and then bottled.Aroma: Dark fruit, dark cherries, plums, cassis, berries, green pepper, mint, tobacco, leather, bright.Palate: Ripe fruit, plums, berries, vanilla, coffee, bell pepper.Finish: Hint of black pepper, wood, pleasant, tannic.Silver Medal, Clos Du Val2011 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon(Stags Leap) $35From a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah this wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (25% new) before bottling.Aroma: Light cherries, strawberry, cassis, grape lollipop, spearmint, earthy notes, oak, wood.Palate: Red dark berries, cassis, fresh fruit, dark unripe plums, vanilla, clove, anise, soft tobacco, dusty, leather, easy, approachable. A stunning wine from Stags Leap District. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Tasting like a great bottle of Chteau Lafite, the 2017 La Joie is based largely on Cabernet Sauvignon and brought up, I suspect, in mostly new French oak.