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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/537558
www.cheersonline.com 47 July/August 2015 • (94) Emblem Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). From the Michael Mondavi family, this Napa Valley cabernet has it all going on. Dark in the glass, with an outstanding nose, with lots of black fruit, spice and toast. Lots of weight on the palate; the long fi nish maintains its balance throughout. ($60) (93) Amavi Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Washington). 100% estate grown, the nose is bursting with blueberry and baking spices. The palate is layered with cassis, currants and black licorice. Everything is brought together by racy minerality and soft dusty tannins on the fi nish. A delicious glass of wine—perfect for summer grilling. ($46) (93) B.R. Cohn Gold Label 2012 (California). A blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County. Rich, lush, generous cabernet showing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Classic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for a full-bodied, smooth fi nish. ($42) (93) Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). Complex and satisfying, with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses. ($45) (93) Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). From the central Napa Valley region, this cabernet demon- strates balance and elegance. A dense ruby in the glass, the notes of dark fruit and toast are echoed on the powerful yet balanced palate. Lots of delicious fruit, from start to long fi nish. ($50) (93) Northstar Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Washington). From one of the Columbia Valley's most acclaimed wineries, this cabernet exemplifi es the potential of Washington wines. A dense purple in the glass, notes of dark fruit, spice and toast rise from the glass. On the palate, the fruit is bright and clean, and the well-balanced fi nish lingers on for quite some time. ($41) (93) Red Mare Cabernet Napa 2012 (California). This concentrated, attractive cabernet offers saturated fl avors of cassis, baking spices, leather and dark chocolate that integrate nicely with the wine's broad, expansive fi nish. ($50) (93) The Counselor Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). This cabernet is wonderfully complex with many different fl avors that sneak up on you, such as cocoa, tobacco and currant. There is intensity to this wine, which with time turns into velvety goodness. ($32) (92) Seven Rings Cabernet Oak Knoll 2013 (California). Red fruits intermixed with blackberries, spring fl owers and spicy cedar skillfully contribute to the complex palate; a richly textured mouthfeel and fi rm acidity provide great pleasure as well as excellent balance. ($29) (92) Beniziger Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Sonoma County, CA). The Benziger family has been one of Sonoma's sustainability pioneers, with their well-thought-out vineyard and winery practices. This care and attention to detail are demonstrated by the quality of this wine. Showing lots of dark fruit, berry, plum and cherry on the nose, the palate confi rms the freshness and energy. The fi nish is long and balanced, with plenty of fi nesse and class. ($22) (92) Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Alexander Valley, CA). A winner from a diffi cult vintage, dry and rich with complex black raspberry and black cherry notes, fi ne tannins and a long fi nish. (92) Columbia Crest H3 Cabernet (Washington). Big and bold wine that opens to lots of inviting black cherry and a touch of vanilla. A touch of minerality and cocoa. Serious cabernet for a reasonable price. ($15) (92) Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Rutherford (California). The bouquet is a bit subdued, but hints at a lovely array of ripe red berry, black cherry and currant aromas lightly framed with mild oak. It is smooth and supple on the palate, displaying excellent balance, and builds in depth across the palate, with black currant, cherry, blackberry and plum fl avors, and subtle spice notes in the background. A steely edge indicates fi rm tannins, but they are very well integrated. ($35) (92) Franciscan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). A well-balanced example of talented grape growing and winemaking. A dark ruby in the glass, the blackberry, sweet cherry, and spice notes rise from the glass. The wine has weight, but is not heavy on the palate. Enjoy this with a wide range of foods. ($28) (92) Groth Oakville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (California). Dense and rich with a concentrated core of black cherry, blackberry, dark plum and blueberry fl avors that are supported by hints of herbs and cedary oak. The long fi nish is supported by a touch of vanilla and polished tannins. ($49) (92) Katherine Goldschmidt Crazy Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (California). A small-production cabernet from famed wine maker Nick Goldschmidt. The elegance of this wine is perfectly balanced with the controlled berry fruit that wants to jump out of the bottle but doesn't. This wine is satisfying from start to fi nish, and is one of the best cabernet values out there. ($18) (92) Mathew Joseph Cabernet 2012 (Napa Valley, CA). Notes of cherry and chocolate are abundant on the nose. Full fl a- vors of ripe cherries lead to a well-balanced lingering fi nish. ($25) (92) Monticello Cabernet Jefferson Napa 2012 (California). Rich to its core, this cabernet offers supple aromas of blueberry and dark chocolate, followed by luscious fl avors of black currant, baking spices and savory earth that echo throughout the long fi nish. ($40) (92) Paul Dolan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (Mendocino County, CA). From one of the leaders of the organic movement, this Mendocino cabernet shows restraint rather than excess; elegance rath- er than power. The bright fruit on the nose and palate make this a very food-friendly and accessible wine. ($25)