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 46 Cheers • September 2014 chewy, with dark chocolate, vanilla and black fruit fl avors; very subtle fi nish. An elegant wine at a great price point. ($30) (94) Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This wine pairs a vibrant purple color with expressive aromas of blackberries and cassis; richly textured on the palate, this wine's robust tannins provide a frame for black cherry fl avors and spicy notes of vanilla and cloves. Pair this with your favorite burger off the grill. ($23) (94) Viña Los Vascos Le Dix de Los Vascos 2011 (Chile). The Le Dix is produced from very old vine cabernet from the estate's original vineyard. The vineyard contributes a dark, lush fruitiness, and the 18 months in oak add an appealing spici- ness and texture. Hints of chocolate add to the wine's complexity; it fi nishes with a luxurious mouthfeel, and balance. ($60) (94) Wente Charles Wetmore Livermore Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This estate vineyard is named for the gentleman who helped develop the area in the late 1800s by bring cutting from some of the best vineyards in Bordeaux. In that same style, this cabernet sauvignon has small amounts of petit verdot, petite sirah, malbec, cabernet franc and merlot added for intense complexity. Aged 14 months in French and American oak, this wine overde- livers in terms of value and quality. ($36) (93) Cosentino Barrel Select Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). This cabernet exhibits a great deal of lush black and red fruit; the oak aging contributes spice and texture, making the wine more complex and complete. Lots of weight, texture and delicious fruit add up to a well-crafted and balanced wine. ($50) (93) Decoy Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A blend of 82% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot, 6% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; alluring black cherry and raspberry jam aromas, as well as more subtle notes of nutmeg, spice and chocolate; on the palate, lovely layers of raspberry and plum are supported by ex- cellent structure and seamlessly integrated oak. ($23) (Duckhorn) (93) Familia Zuccardi Zuccardi Q Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Argentina). From one of the premier family operations, in the Mendoza region, this is an out- standing example of what an Argentinean cabernet can be. The grapes are sourced from a vineyard over a half mile in altitude, contributing elegance and backbone; the concentrated black fruits on the nose and palate contribute to the complexity and richness, accented by spice; the extended fi nish is well balanced. ($20) (93) Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). Aromas of dark cherry, red plum and blackberry are integrated with the spicy sweetness of oak, cedar, cinnamon, clove and toast; the body is full with a soft entry, coupled with dark cherry/berry fl avors. Great texture and mouthfeel, this cabernet is full bodied, rich and opulent. ($42) (93) Hands of Time, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars 2011 (California). Subtle leafy aromas. Attractive palate of cocoa, blackberry and bramble leaves with an elegant minerality. Fresh tasting, balanced and velvety. ($35) (93) Napa Wine Company Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). This single-vineyard wine soars with ex- tensive aromas and fl avors of blackberries, leather, dried leaves, and baking spices. Its dazzling, graceful fi nish is backed up by fi ne-grained tannins. ($42) (93) Parallel Wines Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). An outstand- ing example of Napa Valley cabernet; plenty of dark fruit on the nose and palate; dark in the glass, the richness of the wine makes it exceptionally appealing. An interesting brightness and spicy aspect to the wine; great with a wide variety of foods, or to enjoy on its own. ($72) (93) Parducci Small Lot Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Parducci's entry-level cabernet, which overdelivers, is all oak aged, with merlot and petite verdot added to the blend. Fruit forward, with complex aromas of smoke, pepper and spice; great with barbeque. ($20) (93) Priest Ranch Somerston Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Lots of bright fruit jumps from the glass; elegant and well balanced; long lingering fi nish. ($45) (92) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). Small amounts of merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and petite verdot are added for complexity; aged in French and American oak for 14 months. Rich aromas of plum, cassis and mocha complement rich spice, tobacco and coffee fl avors; great value. ($22) (92) Arboleda, Eduaardo Chadwick 2011 (Chile). Vivid blackcurrant and black cherry aromas. Opulent palate with summer fruit coulis, cherry liqueur, butter and vanilla notes. Soft, supple, vibrant and juicy. ($24). (92) Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (California). Dense currant and black cherry with easy spicy tannins on the fi nish; a winner, once again. ($25) (Treasury Wine Estates) (92) Cross Springs Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A graceful cabernet with concentrated black cherry, ripe currant and plum fl avors with vanilla and spice overtones turning smooth and supple; an intense fi nish with a long, linger- ing aftertaste showing hints of oak. ($18) gentleman who helped develop the area in

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