Stateways September-October 2019 | Page 32

RETAILER WINE SELECTIONS - CABERNET SAUVIGNON
( 92 ) Cyrus Alexander Valley Vineyards 2014 ( CA ). Winemaker Kevin Hall continues the Sonoma winery ’ s Bordeaux homage with this vintage ’ s 20th release . Nine different vineyard lots , the five classic varietals and 24-month oak aging all help create the ultimate offering from AVV . Deep rich color , subtle oak , balanced tannins and rich dark chocolate and licorice notes . Very elegant wine — share with your best friends ! ($ 84.99 )
( 93 ) Robert Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ( CA ). Fairly dark in the glass , the nose of this Paso Robles wine reveals plenty of black fruit , and hints of high-toned spice . Good weight and tannins dominate the taste , with a similar fruit profile , and hints of chocolate . A real bargain in this competitive category . ($ 14.99 )
( 93 ) Sextant Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). This big Paso wine has a lot of energy and texture and , accordingly , a nice , filling mouth feel with a black fruit-centric palate and nose . Blackberry and black cherry notes meld with the heavy oak notes and then the finish is fitting this big wine . ($ 22.99 )
( 93 ) Truth & Valor Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). A grippy Paso wine with fresh red fruit-driven notes from initial taste to finish and a full body . The smooth , powerhouse tannins make a notable finish that just keeps going . ($ 25.99 )
( 93 ) Kicker Cane Alexander Valley 2017 ( CA ). Rich , deep and dense , this has fantastic mashed raspberry and strawberry notes that flood all flavors . There is a mineral element here that is reminiscent of some competitors from the Medoc or Graves . Excellent depth and finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Courtney Benham Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). This approachable Napa opens up quickly and burns bright ! Smooth and powerful is the name of the game here , with good oak structure holding the whole thing together . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Kicker Cane Cabernet Sonoma 2017 ( CA ). Blue and black fruits combine with licorice aromas and flavors . The wine is ripe and has nice , rounded tannins . Concentrated and complex , the oak notes are there , but black fruits dominate and define the wine . ($ 16.99 )
( 92 ) Paso Ranches Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). This Paso cabernet has plenty of dark-black fruit notes and a lot of finesse with balanced uplifting acidity on the finish . The grippy tannins complement the powerful fruit notes and provide a long finish . ($ 18.99 )
( 92 ) Line Shack Cabernet 2016 ( CA ). Aromas of black currant and blackberry give you a preview of how dark this San Antonio Valley wine gets on the palate . The black fruit-heavy nose and mouth-feel is complemented by a savory note to this wine that adds complexity . ($ 17.99 )
( 92 ) Iter Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). This full-bodied , red fruit-dominated Napa wine has prominent notes of raspberry and Bing cherry , along with oak notes that linger on the finish . The oak elements give backbone to this bright , fruit-forward wine and make it more interesting and balanced . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) 90 + Cellars Lot 148 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). Amazing value for the money . This gem could sell for much more ! Lip-smacking , alluring and full-bodied cabernet overflowing with black currant , cherries and vanilla . ($ 16.99 )
( 92 ) Revelry Cabernet 2016 ( WA ). Revelry has done it again ! Deep red fruits and easy tannins make this Walla Walla cabernet the perfect weeknight dinner wine . Sixteen months in French oak really give this wine a lot of depth and balance you don ’ t see at this price . ($ 17.99 )
( 92 ) Castoro Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). Ripe fresh raspberry and strawberry aromas frame the broad shoulders of this value-driven cabernet . This is what Paso Robles is all about . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Novelty Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( WA ). Pioneering winemaker Mike Januik made the move north form California in the early 80 ’ s , and his depth of experience certainly shows . His cab / merlot blend is sourced from the famed Stillwater Creek vineyard and other prime Columbia Valley sources , including Red Mountain . Aged for 20 months in French and American oak , with rich concentrated black fruit , plus hints of vanilla and spice . Wonderful alternative to California for those wine drinkers ready to branch out from their current favorites . ($ 47.99 )
( 92 ) Crimson Ranch Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). Aromas of red fruit and spice notes mixed with some blackberry and smooth mocha notes on the palate showcase how interesting this wine is . The bright savory notes are accompanied by silky mouthfeel and a long finish . ($ 14.99 )
( 92 ) Juggernaut Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). This full-bodied , 100 % cabernet sauvignon is aged in toasted French oak barrels . This dense , velvety wine has aromas of black fruit jumping from the glass . Vanilla and ripe black currants dance on the palate with anise , black fruit and cassis on the finish . Not for the faint of heart ! ($ 23.99 )
Four Stars ����
( 91 ) Joseph Carr Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). Consistent quality , year after year . Juicy on the palate with red cherries , subtle vanilla , toasty oak and soft tannins . ($ 15.99 )
( 91 ) Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ( CA ). Classic old-style Napa cab … 100 % varietal , sourced from the Tenma vineyard at the north end of the valley . Hand-harvested / sorted , with a 19-month aging program . Very balanced , great black cherry fruit , smooth lingering finish . Beautiful pairing of art and science ! ($ 69.99 )
( 91 ) Mina Mesa Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). A smooth Paso wine , the aromas are fruity and dark with raspberry and black cherry notes . The palate matches , adding in vanilla oak notes to the mix . The lengthy finish is impressive . ($ 10.99 )
( 91 ) Carson Ridge Cabernet 2017 ( CA ). A bold mouth-filling Paso cabernet that is very rich and loaded with red fruit aromas and flavors . There is a silky-smooth texture harnessed by an energetic acidity . ($ 10.99 ) •
32 StateWays | www . stateways . com | September / October 2019