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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/422286
www.cheersonline.com 54 • November / December 2014 sites, it showcases a wide variety of fl avor components, including melon, pineapple, and peaches. A beautifully regimented barrel aging program adds rich, complex textures to balanced acidity; has a long, lingering fi nish. ($53) (97) Joseph Drouhin Nuits-Saint-Georges Damodes 1er Cru 2011 (France). From one of the most established and respected houses in Burgundy, this Premier Cru Burgundy wine exudes class and elegance. Brilliant ruby in the glass; complex nose, with hints of red fruit, berries, along with subtle spicy notes. On the palate, the elegance continues with tastes that echo the nose, along with a bright edge. ($111) (97) Scott Family Estate Arroyo Secco chardonnay 2012 (California). All estate-grown fruit from Arroyo Secco area in the Monterey AVA; intense, rich, concentrated viscous fruit; Dijon clones offer fresh notes of vanilla, pear and orange zest; butterscotch fl avors at the fi nish after waves of tropical fruit; great long lingering fi nish; overdelivers for the money. ($36) (97) Frank Family Vineyards chardonnay 2012 (California). Classic new-world style; fruit-forward, rich creaminess, long fi nish; very balanced; Carneros fruit overdelivers; fl oral notes of honeysuckle and fresh bread dough; tropical fruit fl avors dominate. ($48) (96) Nth Degree Livermore Valley caber- net 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; seamless till the end and very 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) (96) Joseph Jewell Russian River Sonoma pinot noir 2011 (California). Very elegant wine from this young winery (established 2006); beautiful red hues, strong cherry notes, with a very light touch of oak; black tea and baking spice aromas dominate the nose. This is a perfect wine for the late spring and early summer months. ($60) (95) Alexander Valley Vineyards Alexander School Reserve cabernet sau- vignon 2010 (California). Older, low-yield vines produce very intense concentrated fruit; 100% cabernet sauvignon; aged almost 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) Daou Paso Robles cabernet sauvi- gnon 2012 (California). This full-bodied 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) 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) 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) Long Shadows Feather cabernet sauvignon 2011 (Washington State). Dark fruits with a hint of chocolate, this is a rich and full-bodied wine with a luxurious texture. ($60) (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) 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. A highly polished wine that will pair with a wide range of meats, cheeses and other foods. ($55) (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. Rich and powerful, with a great deal of elegance; dark fruit is accented by spice, on the nose and palate. Delicious now, be sure to age some as well. ($48) (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) (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;