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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/383488
www.cheersonline.com 45 Cheers September 2014 • (95) Carmen Gold Reserve Maipo Alto Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Chile). A big, hearty Chilean cab; lots of oak and vanilla overtones with deep blackberry fruit; balanced tannins from this warm weather region. ($75) (Trinchero) (95) Caymus 40th Anniversary Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A delicious celebration of Napa Valley cabernet; rich and robust berry fruit, with balanced tannins marry together for a truly silky fi nish. ($73) (95) Chateau Franc Coutelin Saint- Estephe Bordeaux 2009 (France). A blend of 70% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 10% petit verdot; the cabernet is most evi- dent with aromas and fl avors of black cherry, currant and blackberry; a note of toasted oak on the fi nish along with fi rm tannins. ($30) (Victoire Imports, Sonoma, CA) (95) Chateau Ste. Michelle Ethos Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Washington State). Most of the grapes used to produce this outstanding wine came from the established Cold Creek vineyard. The wine is rich and powerful, with a great deal of elegance; dark fruit is accented by spice, on the nose and palate. Delicious now, make sure to age some as well. ($48) (95) Daou Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This full-bod- ied wine displays black fruits, cassis, wild herbs and earthy notes with ripe, rich tannins. Grown at the highest elevation in Paso Robles, it shows the great complexity of the area. ($30) (95) Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Australia). This wine is exceptionally concentrated, with plush black fruit; the mouthfeel and fi nish are outstanding, and examples of world-class Australian winemaking. A real keeper, as well as a wine that's showing superbly well now. ($104) (95) Fattoria di Felsina Maestro Raro Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Italy). Cherry, black currant, cedar and coffee aromas leads you into the intense fl avors with refi ned structure; ripe and focused tannins provide grip; tobacco spice notes. ($60) (95) Flanagan Family Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Ripe and concentrated fruit; cassis and vanilla on the nose; unusually soft tannins for such a powerful cabernet. ($85) (95) Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Washington State). Dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, this is a rich, full-bodied wine with a luxurious texture. ($60) (95) Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia Bolgheri Superiore 2011 (Italy). From Tuscany, this cabernet-dominant blend combines elegance and power. The 18 months in oak contributes a spiciness to the red and black fruit notes; the taste is fresh and clean, with a long and elegant fi nish. This is a highly polished wine that will pair with a wide range of meats, cheeses, and other foods. ($55) (95) Robert Mondavi Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Dark in the glass, with plenty of dark fruit notes on the nose, the wine is rich, with hints of spice and herbs; an exceptionally long fi nish, with great balance. ($45) (95) Root:1 Colchagua Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Chile). From ungrafted vines of original European rootstock that have never been blighted by phylloxera; bold, rich varietal aromas and fl avors in a ripe, mouth-fi lling, and easy-to-enjoy style; richness, quality and value. ($13) (Winebow, NY, NY) (95) True Grit Reserve Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This is Parducci's reserve level cabernet sauvignon; 18 months in French and American oak add a vanilla softness to the mix; small amounts of cabernet franc, petite verdot and syrah add richness; beautiful cherry and cassis aromas fi nish out the wine. ($39) (Parducci) (94) Frisson Vineyards Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). A classic Napa Valley cabernet; very balanced, with dark rich fruit, and a nutty hint of dark chocolate. Restrained tannins and a moderate alcohol level make for an elegant wine. ($75) (94) Hess Allomi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This single-vineyard cabernet from one of the Valley's best-known wineries is full of rich black and red fruit. Dark ruby in the glass, with plenty of richness on the nose and palate; hints of spice and tannin provide a backbone for the fruit to surround. The fi nish is well balanced and quite lengthy. ($30) (94) Ironside Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A big, elegant classy wine with lots of fruit, friendly tannins and structure; great value. ($18) (94) Michael Mondavi Emblem Oso Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). This exceptional, single-vine- yard cabernet is produced from grapes grown high above the valley fl oor, which contributes a freshness and structure that complements the abundant fruit. Plenty of black and red fruit is accented by spice and toasty notes; a wonderful long and balanced fi nish. ($60) (94) Rodney Strong Alexander's Crown Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Juicy cab with smooth tannins and deep layers of oak, black fruit and mocha; high alcohol makes a bit hot; decant to enjoy the complexity or cellar. ($60) (94) Rutherford Ranch Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). An intriguing blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot and malbec; aged 14 months in oak; rich and