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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/422286
www.cheersonline.com 56 • November / December 2014 small amounts of petit verdot, petite sirah, malbec, cabernet franc and merlot added for intense complexity; aged 14 months in French and American oak; overdelivers in terms of value and quality. ($36) (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) 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; air this with your favorite burger off the grill. ($23) (94) Ironside cabernet sauvignon 2012 (California). A big, elegant classy wine with lots of fruit, friendly tannins and structure; great value. ($18) (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) 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) 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) J.Lohr Riverstone Arroyo Seco chardonnay 2013 (California). A top char- donnay for the money; very balanced with great fruit and just enough oak; creamy texture, with good acidity. ($18) (94) J Vineyards Russian River pinot noir 2012 (California). A beautiful pinot noir with layers of deep fruit balanced with a pop of acidity. The wine's rich and lingering fl avors surround your mouth and keep giving up secret fl avors long after the fi nish. ($36) (94) Bouchard Père & Fils Beaune du Château 1er Cru 2009 (France). A brilliant medium ruby in color; the nose is fi lled with a complex mix of red fruit, along with fl oral and spicy notes; in the mouth, the bright fruit leads the way, followed by a long and elegant fi nish. ($40) (94) La Follette Van der Kamp Sonoma Mountain pinot noir 2011 (California). Brilliant ruby/garnet; a rich wine, with the nose dominated by elegant red fruits, as well as hints of spice with fl oral hints; the palate is rich and spicy, with great complexity and length. ($42) (94) Girard Russian River Chardonnay 2011 (California). Delicious chardonnay from Russian River; fresh fruit on the nose with a beautiful vanilla undertone. Light to medium in body; will pair well with all light to grilled foods. ($25) (94) Robert Mondavi Carneros Napa Valley chardonnay Reserve 2011 (California). A rich, yellow gold in the glass, showing its weight and viscosity; the nose is full of ripe tree fruits, with hints of toast and oak; rich and full, with balancing acidity, and a long, lingering fi nish. A very classy and fi ne wine. ($60) (94) Domaine Renaud Macon Village Burgundy 2012 (France). Classic old-world style chardonnay; very clean and crisp with rich minerality; lighter in style and very user- and food-friendly; perfect fi rst white burgundy for the consumer. ($28) (94) Montes Alpha Casablanca Valley chardonnay 2012 (Chile). A bright gold, with the faintest hints of green in the glass. Tropical fruit notes dominate the nose, with a trace of oak; the mouthfeel is luxurious, with fl avors that echo the nose; the fi nish is long, and lingering. ($23) (94) Cline Big Break zinfandel 2011 (California). Big and bold; the higher alcohol and extremely concentrated fl avors offer up layer after layer to explore. ($25) (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) Familia Zuccardi Zuccardi Q cabernet sauvignon 2011 (Argentina). From one of the premier family operations, in the Mendoza region, this is an out-