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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 Off-Premise Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgmediallc . com or 763-383-4400 x2225 .

Five Stars �����

( 98 ) Beaulieu Vineyard Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet 2015 ( CA ). From one of Napa Valley ’ s longtime iconic producers , their top wine is an outstanding combination of dark fruit , power and elegance . A spectacular representation of Napa Valley winemaking . It is intense , and the long , lingering finish echoes the quality for quite some time . ($ 145 )

( 97 ) Ashes & Diamonds ‘ Red Hen Vineyard ’ Cabernet 2016 ( CA ). On the palate this is beautifully structured around a medium body with fine tannins and lovely acidity at its core , keeping it bight and lively through the finish . Aromas of red

berries , spices and dried rose petals make this Napa Valley wine a stunner that will develop for years to come . ($ 99.99 )

( 97 ) Kanonkop Simonsberg-Stellenbosch 2014 ( South Africa ). Beautifully structured , this cabernet exudes quality and intensity . The nose is dominated by black fruit , with hints of oak influence and other spices . The long finish showcases the balance of the wine . A keeper , aging it will reward those who are patient . ($ 47.49 )

( 97 ) Becklyn Cellars Cabernet 2016 ( CA ). An elegant bouquet of chocolate , vanilla and cassis on the nose . The layers and tannin integration make this Napa Valley wine one of the best of the vintage . ($ 74.99 )

( 97 ) Chateau St . Jean Cinq Cépages 2015 ( CA ). With grapes gathered from across some of the finest vineyards in Sonoma County , this blend of five varieties is predominantly cabernet sauvignon . Elegance with structure might be the most apt description for this serious , intense wine . The dark fruit nose , and concentration on the palate , are followed by a long , balanced finish . ($ 85 )

( 97 ) Reyneke Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ( South Africa ). Quite the powerhouse here . The wine is intense in color , with an impressive nose of intense black fruit , plus hints

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 .

of spice . It has a solid backbone of acidity , with great structure , finesse and aging potential . ($ 135.99 )

( 96 ) Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). The grapes for this outstanding cabernet were sourced in the northern part of Napa Valley , which produces wines of intensity and saturation . Quite opaque in the glass , the nose is dominated by black fruit , with notes of wood and spice . The dark fruit

30 StateWays | www . stateways . com | September / October 2019