From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets. Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.Ĭalifornia’s most famous region-and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon-is the acclaimed Napa Valley. the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. However, you do not need aĪs PayPal will also process regular credit card transations.Ĭopyright 2008-2023, Richard Marcis. No credit card or other sensitive information is held on this site. For your safety and security, all transactions are remotely processed using PayPal's secure servers. Help keep this website ad-free and independent.Ĭonsider making a contribution to support the work of. Note - prices are actual purchase prices in the Washington, DC market and may not accurately reflect prices in other market areas. James Suckling – 95, Vinous – 94, Robert Parker -93.Īll in all it was a rare and wonderful group opportunity to taste some highly-rated, expensive Cabernet wines that might otherwise strain an individual’s budget. 18 months in large oak barrels and 18 months in barrique.Ģ012 Dominus, “Napanook” Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend $62ĩ5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petite Verdot. Bottled unfiltered.Ģ012 Mayacamas Vineyards, Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon $133ġ00% Cabernet. James Suckling – 92.Ģ013 Venge, “Silencieux” Cabernet Sauvignon $62ġ00% Cabernet. 24 Months in 65% New French Oak.Ģ013 Turnbull Wine Cellars, Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon $55Ĩ3% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot, 1% Malbec. 24 months in new French oak.Ģ013 Hall, “Jack’s Masterpiece” Cabernet Sauvignon $120ĩ5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot. The wines are presented in order of ranking from favorite to least favorite.Ģ013 Francis Ford Coppola Winery, “Archimedes” $86Ĩ0% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec. Surprisingly, the 2012 Mayacamus Cabernet Sauvignon, which at $133 is the most expensive wine of the evening, is rated 5th.īelow is some detail including professional ratings of each of the wines tasted. Diamond Collection wines are classic California expressions that offer fruit-forward. Of the six wines tasted, the clear favorite of the group is Francis Ford Coppola’s 2013 “Archimedes” which retails for $86. 2013 Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Geyserville, Sonoma County. The wines were tasted “blind” and not revealed until after the scores were tabulated. At the end of the tasting, individuals evaluated and ranked the individual wines and a group score and ranking for the wines was derived. We tasted six top-end Cabernets that range in price from $55 to $133. I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful small-group tasting of highly-rated California Cabernets last weekend at a friend’s house. A Tasting of Top-End California Cabernet Wines.
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