2004 Mitolo Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico McLaren Vale (Australia) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico (aged 12 months in new American hogsheads as well as small French barrels) comes from the Willunga district in the southern sector of McLaren Vale, near the ocean. It exhibits a dense purple color in addition to an extraordinary bouquet of smoke, blueberries, black raspberries, and cassis. Superbly endowed with admirable purity, sweet tannin, a floral/fruity component, and a fabulously layered, concentrated mid-palate as well as finish, it is one of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons to ever emerge from South Australia. It should age well for 10-15 years.” Rated 94 The Wine Advocate
2003 Cross Barn Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (California) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“Full medium ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis, menthol and pepper. Less fat and more clenched than the Cross Barn, but with purer and more primary dark fruit flavors. Nicely balanced, very fresh wine that will require at least three or four years of bottle aging.” 89-91 points International Wine Cellar This is a Paul Hobbs production…
1995 Meyney Saint-Estephe Bordeaux (France) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
The 1995 exhibits an opaque purple color, a super nose of jammy black-cherries and cassis intertwined with scents of earth, licorice, and toasty oak. Sweet, ripe, low acid flavors cascade over the palate, creating an unctuous texture and an impressive mouthfeel. This ripe, medium to full-bodied, concentrated Meyney should drink well young and keep for 12-15 years.” Rated 88-90 by The Wine Advocate
2000 Tulocay Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (California) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“All of our cabernet grapes come from the cooler, southeastern portion of the Napa Valley, which yields wines of great balance and purity of flavor. Then we age the wines in American and French oak barrels. Because the wines are neither fined nor filtered, they often throw a sediment. Few wine connoisseurs realize that Tulocay is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Founded in 1975, Tulocay has been acknowledged by Napa Valley insiders and old timers as having a style that represents Napa before it became ‘Beverly Hills-ified’.” tulocay.com
2002 Caravina Cabernet Sauvignon Seavey Vineyard Napa Valley (California) – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
“The outstanding 2002 Caravina (1600 cases) reveals sweet tannin along with big, full-throttle, dense, black currant, loamy soil, chocolate, and vanilla flavors. Full-bodied, rich, and impressive, this is no ordinary second wine. Drink it over the next 10-14 years.” Rated 90 The Wine Advocate