2007 Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington) – 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot
The flagship 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon contains 3% Merlot. This multi-dimensional offering surrenders an inviting bouquet of sandalwood, Asian spices, violets, truffle, black currant, and blackberry. Seamless on the palate with no hard edges, it is mouth-coating, powerful, and exceptionally light on its feet all at the same time. Impeccably balanced and with plenty of fine-grained tannin in the background, it should effortlessly achieve its 30th birthday. The entire portfolio is a tour de force! Rated 100 The Wine Advocate
2007 Harlan Estate Proprietary Red (Napa Valley) – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
The prodigious 2007 Harlan Estate reminds me of a hypothetical blend of the 2002 with a touch of the controversial 1997. Dense plum/purple-colored with sweet aromas of barbecue smoke, blueberries, blackberries, cassis, licorice, hot rocks and subtle oak, it is a splendidly opulent, pure wine with a skyscraper-like texture as well as stunningly deep fruit that expands gracefully across the palate. The finish lasts nearly a full minute. Because of its overwhelming richness and sweet tannins, this brilliant wine seems to be approachable now, but I suspect further nuances and complexity will emerge after 4-5 years in the bottle. This wine will still be going strong at age 25-30. Like the offerings from its sister estate, Bond, these Harlan Estate offerings are uncompromisingly brilliant examples of Napa viticulture and winemaking at its finest. Kudos to proprietor Bill Harlan. Rated 100 The Wine Advocate
2007 Continuum Proprietary Red (Napa Valley) – 42% Carmenere, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot
A glorious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc and 18% Petit Verdot, it boasts an inky/purple color as well as an extraordinary perfume of blueberries, blackberries, spring flowers and subtle hints of burning embers and earth. Akin to the seamlessness of haute couture from the likes of Chanel, the integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood has been brilliantly accomplished by Mondavi. This textured, opulent, full-bodied wine cuts a lacy, graceful texture across the palate. A tour de force in winemaking, it is a profound wine from someone who has been front and center during the golden age of California Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the revolution in quality begun by his father. Drinkable now, drinkable in ten years and exquisite in two decades, it is not to be missed. Rated 98 The Wine Advocate
2005 Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta (Colchagua Valley, Chile)
Gorgeous aromas of warm ganache and mocha lead to a rich, velvety palate loaded with currant, fig paste, black licorice, cassis bush and bramble notes. The long, juicy finish has great grip and density, with echoes of graphite, dark fruit and mineral. Should greatly reward cellaring. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Rated 95 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2008 Rank #1
2002 Joseph Phelps Insignia Proprietary Red Wine (Napa Valley) – 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec
A beautifully made Bordeaux blend that can age for 20-30 years, 10,000-20,000 cases of Insignia are produced each year. The 2002 Insignia, the finest effort made in this century, is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. Its dense purple color is accompanied by a fragrant perfume of espresso roast, Asian spices, creme de cassis, smoke, and minerals. Dense, voluptuous, full-bodied, rich, long, and harmonious, it can be enjoyed now or cellared for 2-3 decades. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
A rich, polished, seductive style with layers of complexity built around a dense, concentrated mix of currant, blackberry, plum and exotic mocha- and cedar-scented oak. This mouthcoating young wine is powerful yet elegant and deftly balanced, finishing with a long, succulent aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Rated 96 #1 Wine of the Year for 2005 in The Wine Spectator
1997 Chateau Saint Jean Cinq Cepages Proprietary Red Wine (Sonoma) – 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit-Verdot
Ultrarich and chocolaty, with layers of cedar, plum, currant and black cherry, revealing uncommon depth and tiers of flavor as it picks up coffee, toffee and anise. Finishes with firm tannins. Rated 96 The Wine Spectator
The 1997 Cinq Cepages is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and the balance Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit-Verdot, it boasts a super-complex bouquet of licorice, dried herbs, black currants, spice box, and cherry liqueur. In the mouth, notes of chocolate, new oak, and red and black fruits caress the palate in a medium to full-bodied, succulent style. Aged in 50% new and 50% one-year old French barrels, it is bottled with no fining or filtration. Fleshy and complex, this is California’s answer to a big, rich St.-Emilion. Drinkable now, it promises to last for 12-15 years. Rated 94 The Wine Advocate
1998 Chateau Montrose Saint Estephe (Bordeaux, France)
Bright full ruby-red. Precise, pure aromas of cassis, pepper, minerals and currant leaf, plus a hint of bitter chocolate. Juicy and intensely flavored; a classic midweight claret with penetrating inner-mouth aromas of dark berries, leather and game. Long, firm, palate-cleansing finish features very firm tannins that avoid hardness. Rated 90-91 International Wine Cellar