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We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate CABERNET SAUVIGNON . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price ( which can vary from store to store and market to market ). If you ’ re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact associate editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgmediallc . com or 203-855-8499 x2225 .

Five Stars �����

( 98 ) Switchback Ridge Cabernet 2013 ( California ). A very powerful , full-bodied wine . Layers upon layers of black cherry , licorice and cassis . With some air the wine starts to show its true potential . Silky smooth on the palate and hides the 15.5 % ABV very well . Bravo ! ($ 95.99 )

( 97 ) AVV Alexander School Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 ( California ). Winemaker Kevin Hall shines with this selection from the sweet spot in the family ’ s vineyard : a small 25-year-old hilltop vineyard . 100 % cab , aged 24 months in oak . Rich and supple , very balanced , a strong fruit backbone . A perfect , easy drinking wine . ($ 33.99 )

( 97 ) J . Lohr Carol ’ s Vineyard Cabernet 2013 ( California ). Known for their excellent offerings in Monterey and Paso Robles , this is their Napa jewel . Named for Mr . Lohr ’ s wife Carol , this 20-acre vineyard north of St . Helena produces legendary cabernet and petite verdot . Aged 17 months in oak , with touches of dark chocolate , hazelnut and rich fruit . A truly elegant wine for any special occasion . ($ 74.99 )

( 96 ) Cliff Lede Cabernet 2015 ( California ). Full-bodied , rich and tannic . Layers of blackberry , cassis and baking spice . This is a showstopper from the Stags Leap District . ($ 79.99 )

( 96 ) Goldschmidt Vineyard “ Game Ranch ” Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ( California ). This wine is straight-up delicious ! This vintage shows dark ruby red color , plus ripe berry , cassis and black pepper aromas . On the palate a smooth entry is followed by black cherry , blueberry and spice . Fine , supple tannins carry all the way through the fi nish . Notes of chocolate , fl int and graphite linger . ($ 75.99 )

( 96 ) Gorman ‘ Bully ’ Cab 2014 ( Washington ). Big , bold dark fruits backed up with huge tannins . A great cabernet , but needs a long decant . ($ 50 )

RANKING SYSTEM

★★★★★ FIVE STARS ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .

★★★★ FOUR STARS ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

★★★ THREE STARS ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

( 94 ) J . Lohr Hilltop Cabernet 2015 ( California ). Winemaker Steve Peck shines again with his best Paso fruit . 95 % cab , with just a touch of malbec and petite verdot , aged 18 months in French Oak . ‘ Dense but soft ’ is the new descriptor for the house style . Very structured , but fruit-forward with rich black fruit notes . Hints of dark chocolate and hazelnuts round out the presentation . Age this for the next 10 years — if you have the patience . Excellent food wine . ($ 36.99 )

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