2005 Chateau Tour St. Bonnet Medoc Cru Bourgeois (Bordeaux, France) – blend of 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 60% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Malbec
“Reminiscent of a mini-Grand Puy Lacoste with its cassis fruit, attractive aromatics, lush, sweet, medium-bodied flavors, and inky/ruby/purple color, the 2005 Tour St.-Bonnet sells for a fraction of the price of the Grand-Puy-Lacoste. But beggars can’t be that choosy, right?” Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2007 Fontezoppa Carapetto Marche Rosso (Italy) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Clear ruby red, full expressive character on the nose with notes of ripe wild berry in alcohol and a hint of vanilla, sandalwood and hay. Smooth and dry on the palate with good alcohol, tannin and finesse. Not filtered or fined. cantinefontezoppa.com
2007 Victor Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles (California) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grape
2007 featured an incredibly cold, dry winter and spring which led to a relatively early budbreak. January’s record cold (a tenThe grapes were hand-harvested, then crushed into a stainless fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with d-80 yeast then pumped over daily for 16 days prior to pressing. After completion of malolactic fermentation, this Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling. day stretch with nightime low temperatures below 15 degrees) and lack of rainfall led to an extremely small crop characterized by miniscule clusters which ultimately resulted in lush, incredibly rich wines. The grapes were hand-harvested, then crushed into a stainless fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with d-80 yeast then pumped over daily for 16 days prior to pressing. After completion of malolactic fermentation, this Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 22 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling. Victor Hugo Winery
2009 Mollydooker The Maitre d’ (South Australia) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grape
A wine from Rob Mondavi, this is a spectacular Petite Sirah with exquisite potential. Inky/purple to the rim, its floral notes intermixed with incense, blueberry, blackberry, scorched earth, and pepper are reticent but can be coaxed out of the glass. The wine has huge concentration and extract, massive fruit and tannin, and should literally be forgotten for 7-8 years. It will evolve for 30+ years. Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2008 Finca Decero Cabernet Sauvignon Remolinos Vineyard Agrelo Mendoza (Argentina) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grape
Bright medium red-ruby. Varietally accurate aromas of cherry, cassis, tobacco and licorice are lifted by a floral topnote. Supple, vinous and suave, with good lift to the red fruit and spicy oak flavors. Not especially complex but nicely balanced and fresh. Finishes with smooth tannins and suggestions of medicinal cherry and mint. Rated 88 International Wine Cellar Medium purple; expressive nose; ripe, savory fruit, slightly tannic finish. Rated 88 The Wine Advocate
2006 Les Tourelles de Longueville Pauillac (Bordeaux, France) – Blend of 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot, with small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot grapes
Black currant and dark chocolate aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins, very good fruit and an aftertaste of tobacco and berry. Structured and rich. The excellent second wine from Pichon-Baron. Rated 90 Wine Spectator