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 47 Cheers September 2014 • (92) Marc Mondavi's The Diving Rod Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). The rich plum and hints of blackberry are brought together with a very subtle hint of cocoa. A shining star to accompany a hearty meal, and a great value. ($18) (92) Moniker Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Blending small amounts of petite sirah and cabernet franc to the base cabernet sauvignon adds a unique complexity, with layers of fl avors. Oak aging adds to the mix, with a beautiful perfumed nose, giving it an almost fl oral quality. ($33) (92) Stonestreet Alexander Valley Monument Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (California). This wine is dark purple (almost black), with a mild but fresh bouquet that with time intensifi es, displaying rich raspberry and blackberry jam aromas. Full bodied and plush but with plenty of tannin that keeps it fi rm; ripe red cherry, cranberry and raspberry join in on the palate; the fi nish is long, and some blueberry and light oak notes pop up in the aftertaste. The ample tannin may require a few more years to even out, but for now a grilled rib-eye will do perfectly. ($50) (92) Taken Napa Valley Red Blend 2011 (California). A cab-dominated (60%) blend with a beautiful bouquet that is structured and balanced, showing lovely oak notes mingling with a bevy of black and red fruit aromas and lovely undertones of baking spice. Firm on the entry but the tannins are well-integrated so it stays smooth and supple throughout while still showing some heft; juicy red cherry and black cherry lead while lush black currant and plum compote are revealed in the fi nish. ($30) (92) Te Moto 2006 (New Zealand). Delicate ruby, verging on garnet colour; vivid savory and cassis aromas. Raw black- currant, vanilla and toast notes are fully integrated. Light and fresh, with chiffon-like tannins. ($55) (92) Santa Isle Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Chile). Sourced from exclusive vineyards in the Maule Valley, this medium-bodied cabernet shows the classy, suave side of Chile. Classic aromas of red fruit, spice box and sage with a very nice balance of ripe and savory fl avors; outstanding value. ($20) (92) Wente Southern Hills Livermore Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A blend of cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, petite sirah, malbec, cabernet franc and merlot; aged 14 months in an oak/stainless steel program; lush blueberry aromas dominate the nose; beautiful balance of body and acidity; great fi nish. ($19) FOUR STARS (91) Cedar Knoll Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Black fruit aroma; fl avors of black cherry, plum and cassis with a touch of cedar; substantial tannins; a long fi nish. ($45) (91) Dominican Oaks Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). Beautiful aromas of dark fruit, toasty vanilla and cocoa; with a richly textured mid-palate featuring fl avors of blackberries, spice, oak and earth, this wine cascades into a supple, full-bodied fi nish. ($22) (91) Iter Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). With no shortage of layered dark fruits, lavender, and smoke, this cab- ernet impresses for its rich fl avors that are very well balanced by the structured, crisp fi nish laced with chewy tannins. A delicious wine that pairs well with food. ($23) (91) Peju Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Classy Napa Valley cab; rich, lush and fl avorful with soft tannins on the long fi nish. ($45) (91) Rock View Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This full-bodied beauty offers up deep, cap- tivating fl avors of blackberries, fi g, plums, and kirsch liqueur; its robust concentration is balanced on the fi nish by grainy tannins and spicy oak. ($35) (91) Tolosa Vineyards Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Very balanced blend of cabernet and mer- lot, aged 15 months in oak; not too heavy or high in alcohol; great texture with pure fruit expression, and a hint of molasses. ($35) (91) Valdivieso Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Chile). Aromas of dark berries lead to fl avors chocolate and blackberries with hints of vanilla and oak; a real lingering fi nish. ($12) (90) Annabella Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). A nice value from Michael Pozzan; big dark fruit fl avors burst onto the palate immediately offering delicious cherry, plum, black raspberry and cassis. Spice is found mid-palate with a hint of mocha leading to a nice long fi nish with great balance. ($18) (90) B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). New packaging for this classy, medium-bodied red with nice richness and full black fruit fl avors; sourced from Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties. ($26) (90) California Square Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). With plenty of blueberry, licorice, and soft tannins, this is a smooth and supple cabernet. Forward and rich from start, it concludes with an energetic fi nish. ($17) (90) Fog Dog Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). A nice fi rst effort; fl avors of cherry and cassis, medium to full-bodied with a nice texture; 10% syrah with a noticeable trace of cabernet franc ($30). (Joseph Phelps Vineyards) merlot; aged 14 months in an oak/stainless

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