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Cabernet Sauvignon Highly recommended and collectible Cabernet Sauvignons
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Joel Gott 2005, Blend 815 Cabernet Sauvignon $17 A prominent but not overbearing vanilla sweetness of French oak on the nose introduces this thoroughly enjoyable Cabernet. The oak blends wonderfully on the palate with cherry, blackberry, anise, and a touch of chalky earth. Subtle, soft tannins provide a grip on the long finish, and make for a remarkable Cabernet at this low price point. An elegant wine for a less than elegant price, easy to enthusiastically recommend. Few Cabernets in this price range have this finesse.
Order direct from Joel Gott Wines.
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Saddleback Cellars
2004 Cabernet Sauvignon
$50 An opulent, rich, and extremely well balanced Cabernet. Dark cherries, plums, spices, earth, soft tannins and deliciously integrated oak combine for a remarkably fascinating and complex Cabernet experience. There are Napa Cabernets selling for two and three times the price that don't have the character and sophistication of this one. Quite approachable now, but should mature well for at least ten years.
Order direct from Saddleback Cellars.
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Owen Roe
2005 Sharecropper's Cabernet Sauvignon
$20 Ever had a Cabernet Sauvignon entirely from neutral oak barrels? No suffocating blanket of vanilla oak to mask the natural delicious berry fruit. Try this one for a refreshing change. Nothing is overdone, everything in harmony. Alcohol is a moderate and well-integrated 14.1%. Cherry, blackberry, with undercurrents of chocolate on the nose. On the palate, fruit is prominent but not over-extracted. Soft, subtle tannins lend a satisfying grip on the palate. Intriguing notes of mocha and spice on the finish. An understated, unpretentious, and simply delicious Cabernet Sauvignon from Oregon. Buy some to drink now, and some to lay down for a few years. Order online from K&L Wine Merchants.
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Frazier Winery 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon $55 Pretty, soft, coy, flirtatious, and ultimately seductive. A perfect Cabernet for those who think they like Merlot because Cabernet is too big. Beautiful blueberry and spice nose, with minerals, mint, and just the perfect touch of vanilla oak. Rich fruit on the palate with lovely soft, drying tannins. A complex, but reserved and food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon that is an ideal complement to rack of lamb. An elegant wine for a dinner party that will be enjoyed by anyone from novices to experienced wine lovers. Order direct from Frazier Winery
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Honig Vineyard & Winery
2003 Bartolucci Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
$75 From the Bartolucci vineyard, which for many years was the source of Caymus Special Selection fruit. A lush and seductive Cabernet made in the classic California style. Thoroughly balanced from end to end, with black cherry, plum, raspberry, chocolate, and just the perfect complement of French oak. Long lingering finish and lovely tannins. This wine is a hedonistic experience. $75 is a bargain for this one--you can pay twice as much for Napa Cabs that aren't as perfectly crafted. Our compliments to winemaker Kristin Belair for a sensational accomplishment.
Order direct from Honig Vineyard & Winery.
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Corison Winery
2002 Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
$98 Cathy Corison makes wines that are built to last. Most of the highly acclaimed 1997 Cabernets have long since withered and died, but the 1997 Kronos Cab is just now hitting its stride. The 2002 is made in the same style. Elegant fragrance of blackberry fruit with spices, cedar and anise; full bodied and smooth with delicious velvety tannins. It can be enjoyed now with at least an hour in the decanter prior to service. But this is a young wine that should develop beautifully with time as Corison's previous wines have done. If you have the iron discipline to keep your hands off it, let it rest and mature in your cellar for at least five to seven years as a spectacular investment in your future.
Buy direct from Corison Winery
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Longfellow
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
$60 The Longfellow Cabernet is from Coombsville, the new growing area east of Napa. A dramatic wine with a distinctive character and a nose more reminiscent of Bordelaise styles than classic Napa cabs. Rich anise and licorice notes blend with ripe black cherries and figs. New and used French and American oak are used to produce a perfectly integrated oak component. This magnificent and sensuous Cabernet pushes the bounds of decadence. How can Napa's cult Cabs command such absurdly high prices when this is only $60? Don't miss it.
Order online from Vintner's Collective.
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Piña Napa Valley
2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 D'Adamo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 Yountville-Wolff Cabernet Sauvignon
$72 Very limited production single vineyard Cabernets. Everything Piña makes sells out long before release. Available on futures purchases only. Barrel tastings are available by appointment. Having tasted the 2005's, we are motivated to make this unusual posting for this site. It is a recommendation to become familiar with Piña Napa Valley on your next visit to Napa. Collectors--get on their mailing lists before they close out, and prices escalate to cult wine levels. Visit Pina Napa Valley
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Lucas & Lewellen
2002 Valley View Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
$25 Excellent value in Cabernet Sauvignon, featuring beautifully balanced and integrated oak and a moderate 13.7% alcohol. Enticing aromas of cherries, plums, and spices on the nose, with flavors of plum and currant on the palate. Full bodied and round, but with sufficient tannins and acid to give it superb depth and structure. It is hard to find satisfying Cabernets in this price range, and this one is highly recommended.
Order online from Lucas & Lewellen.
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