Cheers

Cheers September

Cheers is dedicated to delivering hospitality professionals the information, insights and data necessary to drive their beverage business by covering trends and innovations in operations, merchandising, service and training.

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www.cheersonline.com 44 Cheers • September 2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON FIVE STARS (97) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus 2010 (California). Done in the meritage style (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petite verdot and malbec); winemaker Kevin Hall uses just eight select barrel-aged lots for his fi nal cuvee. Aged 12 months in French oak and additional eight months of aging in the bottle; incredible. ($65) (97) Buccella Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A small-pro- duction cult wine; deep purple, opaque in color with concentrated black currant, licorice, exhibiting intense and fl oral characteristic. ($150) (97) J. Lohr Hilltop Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). A beautiful, harmonious blend of cabernet sauvignon, petite verdot, malbec and syrah from prime vineyard sites; aged 18 months in oak; smooth, balanced, full bodied, with rich layers of cherries and blackberries. ($40) (96) Nth Degree Livermore Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Sourced from Wente's best estate vineyard sites, and meticulously "ultra farmed," this is a rich, elegant blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and petite verdot. Rich black cherry fl avors dominate, with a subtle hint of mocha. The wine is seamless till the end and balanced through the fi nish; spectacular. ($132) (96) Cade Winery Howell Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This 100% estate grown cabernet is loaded with aromas of blueberry, blackberry and plums. Big, bold and elegant; the fi nish is nicely balanced and lingers for minutes. ($170) (96) Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia 2011 (Italy). Supremely elegant and fi ne, the wine exudes class on the nose and palate; lots of red fruit, with notes of spice help emphasize the wine's pedigree. Very sat- isfying now, the wine will certainly benefi t from medium-term aging. ($57) (95) Ahnfeldt Provocative Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Gorgeous bouquet of lilacs, roses and ripe black fruits; fl avors of blueberry, black currant and plum abound with just a touch of toasted oak; tannins are supple. This wine is absolutely enjoyable now. ($40) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Older, low-yield vines produce very intense concentrated fruit; 100% cabernet sauvi- gnon; aged nearly two years in premium French oak barrels; a very big wine, rich and chewy, with dark fruit, tobacco and semi-sweet chocolate fl avors. ($45) (95) Artesa Estate Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). From one of Napa Valley's top-fl ight properties, this cabernet exhibits dark fruit and power; the fermentation and aging in oak contribute spice and structure. A very fi ne wine, enjoyable now, but with potential to age gracefully. ($46) RATING SYSTEM (92-100 points) A top-fl ight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price/value relationship. (86-91 points) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back. (80-85 points) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point, which many consumers will enjoy.

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