Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

Our Professional Review 

Bart of 67Wine.com writes | Cakebread Cabernet Sauvignon is one of Napa Valley’s shining stars, but it’s always a ‘special occasion’ wine that’s priced beyond the reach of ordinary quaffing. The good news is Cakebread is now producing an affordable top notch Cabernet from Paso Robles that drinks deliciously. 

Winemaker Description 

Our Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles is bold and generous, with intriguing depth and loads of California charisma. Layers of sun-kissed wild blackberries alternate with boysenberry jam, dried bay leaf, and dark chocolate. This California Cab makes friends wherever it goes.

We source our Paso Robles Cabernet from two sites at opposite ends of the appellation, so we can combine the best of both: great tannin structure and acidity, as well as plush, generous fruit with a classic herbal edge.”
— JANE DUNKLEY, WINEMAKER
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Jonathan Cristaldi writes:  The 2019 Silver Oak Napa Valley Cabernet shows a deep, ruby colour. It is a beautifully compact wine that delivers complex and nuanced aromas of Bing cherry and black raspberry with tobacco, currant leaf, and cedarwood laced with dried sage. Focused and linear on the medium to full-bodied palate, showing expressive dark berry character and exotic oak spices with a firm backbone of fine-grained structured tannins. Cool raspberry, cherry, and blackberry fruit are perfectly represented, and the lengthy finish is crisp, lively, and energetic. No doubt, this is one to cellar. Exhaustive oak seasoning experiments led by winemaker Nate Weis resulted in the discovery that the American oak they age Silver Oak in when seasoned for 24 months and toasted for 90 minutes, marks the point at which the oak imparts more vanillin character and delivers better tannin integration. By contrast, the 2018 vintage was aged in American oak, seasoned for 16 months and toasted for 60 minutes. Weis explains that their experiments showed that underseasoned American oak imparts a dill character, while overseasoning results in coconutty notes, but finding a sweet spot delivers that vanillian quality winemakers look for in French oak. Taste the 2018 and 2019s side by side if you can, and note the subtle differences and shift to a more savoury profile in the 2019 vintage, with a very precise integration of oak tannin. It will be exciting to follow their progression in the cellar and see how subsequent vintages shape up in healthy and challenging harvest years.  Drinking 2024 to 2038.  - Decanter 96

James Suckling writes:  So elegant, supple and silky, this vintage is a dream to drink now, but should also have plenty of life ahead of it. Aromas of blueberries and dark chocolate meld with luxe black fruit, mint and cocoa on the palate. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 18% merlot and dashes of cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold through at least 2030.  - James Suckling 95

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description

This fresh and vibrant Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is brimming with aromas of blackberry, mulberry, cassis, and violet. On the palate, bright flavors of cranberry, red plum, cherry, and lavender are intertwined with supple tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, smooth finish. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | Fresh and nicely framed aromas of red currants, stone and sweet tobacco. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins and a creamy finish. Crunchy fruit. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, 5% malbec, 4% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot. Very drinkable now, but can improve with age.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | A mix of black fruits spun through with stimulating and flavorful spices fill the mouth with juicy and savory flavors. These are carried by a balance of acidity and fine-grained tannins into a mouthwatering and lengthy finish.

The Wine Advocate 90 Points | One of the more realistically priced Napa Cabs out there, Clos du Val's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. Scents of black and red cherries, hints of violets and vanilla mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky and fresh, streamlined and classic in style. 
 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Decanter 99 Points | Remarkably pure and fresh. Pristine black cherry and blackberry, layered with beautiful violet aromas. Everything builds with precision and focus, supported by gorgeously firm, taut, mineral-rich tannins that bring energy and drive. The wine is compact and tightly wound at this youthful stage, its intensity truly emblematic of the vintage.

James Suckling 94 Points | Dark fruit aromas of blackberries, bitter chocolate, dried herbs, blackcurrants, black olives and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with a textural, rounded mouthfeel and finely integrated tannins, leading to a savory, fruit-driven finish.

The Wine Spectator 94 Points | Ripe, fresh and focused, offering a lovely beam of red currant and plum coulis alongside savory, violet, tobacco and singed cedar hints. Finishes with a late twang of iron.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) is fabulous. Plump and vibrant, with good up-front fruit and bright acids, the 2021 captures the essence of modern classicism that is typical of the Heitz wines today. This is a superb entry-level offering from Heitz. Floral overtones brighten the finish

Winemaker Description 

Our Professional Review

Dinner tonight was at a friend's house out of the City.  We had Salad, great dressing (Salt, Pepper, Sugar, Olive Oil, lemon, Sherry Vinegar), which amazed us because everyone was tempted to drink it 😀, sirloin steak, and creamy roasted small potatoes.  The first sips of the Malartic were just wonderful.  Fresh fruit flavors enveloped our mouths, pure and delicious. 

This is a wine so well made it felt uncomplicated because of the impact of pure fruit, of course that is the art, complicated made to taste uncomplicated.  Over dinner the Malartic developed into a richly complex and layered wine; flavors began to appear: herbs, spices, and background oak and tobacco, yet always fruit driven.  If you want to have something really special we recommend this with 10 glasses! 

-Dorothy & Bernie, Follow the Drinker®

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Wine Enthusiast 95 Points | This is a beautifully structured and textured wine, with rich black fruits that exude style. It is an impressive wine from an estate that is at the top of its form. Drink from 2027.

James Suckling 94 Points | A bright, vibrant nose full of minerals and fresh red cherries, olives and a hint of pencil shavings. The silky tannins are fresh and tidy, with spot-on succulence, finesse and linearity. Svelte and long. The tannin quality deserves recognition.

Decanter 93 Points | Sleek and pristine and nice crystalline element to this, it's light and lean, certainly driven from start to finish in one line but this has a sense of finesse and not trying too hard. I love the salty finish, a touch of black tea and some liquorice elements. Good weight and balance, lots of great drinkability here with a lovely lift on the finish that many do not have. Fun, friendly and really sustains. A great effort.

Vinous by Neal Martin writes 92 Points | The 2021 Malartic Lagravière, which has a little more Cabernet Sauvignon than usual, has an attractive bouquet—not amazingly intense, yet delineated with predominantly black fruit, black olive and light estuarine scents. It feels focused, though without the frills. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of orange rind on the entry. Finely integrated oak here lends this Pessac-Léognan an appealing silky texture, and it fans out gracefully toward the finish. This feels like it has evolved nicely during its barrel maturation, and it should drink well for 20 to 25 years.

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Black raspberries, redcurrants, tobacco, and floral/violet notes all emerge from the 2021 Château Malartic-Lagravière, a medium-bodied, supple, incredibly elegant 2021 with fine tannins. This layered, elegant Péssac-Léognan will surprise in the cellar due to its overall balance. The 2021 is 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, and it saw a slightly shorter maceration than normal (21 days) and was brought up in 65% new oak.

The Wine Advocate 90+ Points | A blend of fully 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the 2021 Malartic Lagravière offers up aromas of sweet berries, plums, burning embers and warm spices, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and powdery palate that's impressively concentrated, refined and elegant. It's a fine effort from an estate on the rise.

Memo Summary Notes

• Red Meats: Grilled ribeye with a bordelaise sauce or herb-crusted lamb.

• Game: Venison or roasted duck with a cherry reduction.

• Earthy Sides: Wild mushroom risotto or truffled mashed potatoes.

Winemaker Description

Our 2022 Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe blackberries, red currants, and dried herbs. The wine is full-bodied with flavors of baking spice and plush ripe fruit with a long, fine grained tannin finish. Pair with anything off the BBQ, steaks, braised short ribs, and lamp chops.  

“Cab is king – and the Intercept Cab is no different. This is not a Cab where you need to lay it down for 5-10 years to soften up, no, this is an easy-drinking Cab one that you can drink right now.” Charles Woodson. 

When making Intercept Cabernet Sauvignon we target vineyards sites with well-draining soils and good exposure. This helps us create a juicy, full-bodied wine. We age our Cabernet Sauvignon in French and Eastern European Oak for 18 months.
 

Winemaker Description 

This alluring Cabernet Sauvignon is amazingly complex and classic Napa Valley. The aroma is cedar, cola, dark black fruit and just a kiss of oak. The pallet is round, expansive, bright and complex with flavors of cocoa, coffee, fruit and herbs.

The wine fills the mouth but isn't dominated by any one element and finishing amazingly bright for Cabernet Sauvignon. One of the great joys of making Cabernet is blending the wine before bottling and this wine was so very fun to combine just the right amount of Cabernet Sauvignon with its power, Cabernet Franc for the beautiful wild aroma and flavor, a touch of Merlot for the dusty plum character, Malbec for violet notes and Petit Verdot for color and tannin. 

Winemaker Description 

Apothic captures the best of Cabernet Sauvignon, bringing a silky, elegant and delicate dimension to the typically bold characteristics of the variety. This wine showcases Cabernet Sauvignon’s distinctive fruit characteristics of blueberry, blackberry jam and dark plum, supported by soft, fine tannins that add plush richness to the mouthfeel.

A small addition of Zinfandel to the wine adds layers of cherry and dark fruit notes as well as a hint of spice. Subtle suggestions of vanilla linger on the smooth finish, a reflection of the wine’s selective oak aging.

Winemaker Description 

The extraction of this wine is apparent at the outset. The wine displays a color reminiscent of what the Burmese cal ka-la-ngoh or -crying-Indian- ruby, characterized by an almost black color with crimson highlights. There is a fine balance on the nose of black cherry, anise, olive, and cedar.

Rich, ripe and sweet flavors of dark fruits, raspberry, and hard candies that finish with a whiff of tobacco. The tannins have a fine but firm grip and are suspended by the acid core that stays in the mouth through the finish.

Since I now live in an Atkin’s-friendly household, I get to try my wines with a variety of wonderful meats.

Try a rack of lamb with a sundried cherry sauce or perhaps medellions with cranberry dijon chutney.- Adam LaZarre, Winemaker

Expert Reviews 

Jan Anson 100 Points | A classical vintage that perfectly suits the Opus style. Gorgeous vivid plum colour, sculpted, balanced, with a ton of lift, waves of rose petals, iris and peony, soft grilled cumin, sage and white pepper spice. Love the hidden power here and the supple slightly chalky tannins that are structured in their architecture with a precision and carved quality. Precise, layered and stretched out, a brilliant Opus, concentrated and yet delicate. Feels pared back and captures the spirit of early Opus, when it moved forward the conversation of what Napa could be. Michael Silacci director, 100% new oak for ageing extremely well integrated even now.

James Suckling 99 Points | An enticing aroma of violets, cherry blossoms, fresh blue and black fruit and great structure define this beautiful, age-worthy wine. Subtle layering of fruit and oak spices between firm, fine-grained and supportive tannins gives it a calm intensity. So elegant and polished. Hints of cinnamon and graphite accent blackcurrant and blueberry flavors that linger and grow in a long finish. Already attractive to drink, but best after 2029.

Decanter 98 Points |  The 2021 Opus One is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and half a percent each of Malbec and Merlot. It was aged up to 19 months in 100% new French oak. It's a seamless wine with balletic elegance and grace. From a deep ruby-crimson colour comes heady red and violet floral notes, sandalwood, and rich brown spices nuanced by graphite and dried sagebrush. Medium to full-bodied with ultrafine-grained tannins, almost powdery, with gorgeous cranberry and raspberry fruits and a kind of juicy, woody, crushed pomegranate seed character. You really can't believe how light and ephemeral this wine is.

The Wine Independent 98 Points | The 2021 Opus One is composed of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% each of Merlot and Malbec. It was bottled in July 2023. Deep garnet-purple in color, it comes barreling out of the glass with gregarious notions of creme de cassis, wild blueberries, and redcurrant jelly followed by hints of cedar chest, sassafras, vanilla pod, and dark chocolate plus a waft of lilacs. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers shimmery red, black, and blue fruit layers with a firm texture of rounded tannins and impressive tension, finishing long and fragrant.

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points |  The 2021 Opus One is brilliant and I think one of the finest wines made from this estate. Deep ruby/purple-hued, with a gorgeous perfume of cassis, darker raspberries, spicy oak, and obvious minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, lots of ripe tannins, and a great finish. It shines on all accounts and is complex, nuanced, textured, and beautifully balanced. It will have 30 years of prime drinking.

Winemaker Description 

Opus one is the dream project between baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi. They both had a single dream of creating a single wine dedicated to uncompromising quality. Nearly four decades later, they still continue to refine the complex subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods. The estate is made up of four estate vineyards, 100 acres are within the famed To Kalon Vineyard and another 70 acres are within the Ballestra and River parcels. The winemaking is lead by Micahel Silacci who combines intuition and technical acumen and has his hands in both the winemaking and vineyard practices.

Expert Review - Vintage 2019 

Antonio Galloni of Vinous writes 94 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is such a sexy wine. Plush, deep and seductive, the 2019 is an opulent beauty the likes of which I don't think I have ever tasted here. A rush of black plum, tobacco, incense, dried herbs and licorice makes a strong first impression. Time in the glass brings out the wine's compelling aromatic nuances. Silky and plush, with tremendous depth, the 2019 is a huge overachiever. I loved it.

Winemaker Description 

94 pts Antonio Galloni Presents Vinous October 2022
91 pts Wine Enthusiast Magazine Cellar Selection December 2023
90 pts Wine Spectator November 15, 2023
90 pts Wine & Spirits Magazine Winter 2023

2019 was a beautiful year for grape growing in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The winter was generous with moisture and coolness. The spring was stormy in May, but the late-season Bordeaux varieties escaped harm and set a   modest crop. The harvest schedule was more typical and started in late September and into October, which was encouraging.
 
This wine is a composite of our appellation, produced from five distinct vineyards. All of them are a short distance from Domaine Eden, with our staff farming the majority. When we started this in 1999, we wanted to offer a wine reflecting our region, which is unlike any other. A coastal, high elevation, Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend made to the Mount Eden style--structured and terroir-driven--that is also ageable and affordable.
 
All fermentations were indigenous, with no fining or filtration. There are loamy earth scents along with currant, blackberry and cedar. The palate is bright with blue fruit, acidity and balanced tannins. A good cellar choice for the next 7-12 years.
 

Winemaker Description

This signature wine contains only fruit farmed on Howell Mountain. The wine comes in a distinctive bottle that is hand dipped in red wax. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. aged 32 months in 100% new French oak.

Expert Reviews

Vinous Antonio Galloni 97 Points | The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain is sure to make Dunn fans happy. Powerful and ample, it marries the natural intensity of the year with the savoriness that makes Howell Mountain Cabernets so distinctive. Dark blue/purplish fruit, graphite, spice, leather, dried herbs and lavender imbue the 2017 with striking intensity and character. I can't wait to see how it ages. The 2017 is a positively stunning edition of the Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.  Drinking 2027 - 2047.

Robert Parker Joe Czerwinski 96 Points | Already more open than the 2018 Howell Mountain, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain boasts slightly piney, resinous herb notes—thyme and rosemary—along with classic cassis and blueberry fruit. Yes, there's a cedary coat of oak, but the fruit comes through loud and clear, adding a rich, velvety textural component and mouthwatering berry flavors on the lingering finish.  Drinking 2025 - 2040  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 96+

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 95 Points | This always represents good value. Spicy, stony and floral at the same time with deep blue fruit and hints of pine, incense and cloves. Veins of tannins show a mineral verve. This is firm, powerful and long. A bit too young at this stage but already showing potential. A very good vintage. Drink after 2028.

Jeb Dunnuck 94 Points | #50 in Top 100 Wines, 2025 | While I wasn't able to taste the 2022 Château Meyney En Primeur, it's a beauty now from bottle. Needing air to show at its best, this deep purple-hued Saint-Estèphe has a ripe, powerful nose of darker currants, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and cedar pencils. This carries to a full-bodied Meyney that has a broad, layered mouthfeel, ripe, velvety tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. It's accessible even today with a decant, but it's going to take a decade to hit maturity and will age gracefully on its concentration and depth.

The Wine Advocate 93 Points The 2022 Meyney has turned out very well, offering up aromas of crème de cassis, bay leaf and pencil shavings, followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple and fleshy palate that's rich and seamless, exhibiting an integration of tannin that can't always be taken for granted at this address. In fact, this appears to be the best Meyney produced for quite some time, and it's well worth seeking out.

Vinous 93 Points | The 2022 Meyney is a serious overachiever. Dark, virile and imposing, the 2022 packs a serious punch. Black fruit, cedar, leather, licorice, dried herbs and espresso are beautifully amplified. Swaths of tannin wrap it all together in style. Impressive.

Decanter 93 Points | Ripe brambleberry fruit aromas on the nose. Rich and filling on the palate, this has a nice texture of crushed blue fruit pulp, fleshy and chewy with cool cola and liquorice accents. The oak feels a little prominent in the softly drying tannins and cedar spice on the finish which gives this a subtle sense of opulence. Full bodied and full of flavour.

The Wine Spectator 92 Points | Gently singed bay and dried lilac notes infuse a core of bitter plum and dark cherry compote, with a wet stone accent. The lightly chalky structure underscores the focused finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2037. 8,000 cases made.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 season was historic in Bordeaux, producing wines with incredible concentration and power. Meyney, situated right next to the famed Château Montrose, benefitted from its proximity to the Gironde river, which helped cool the vines during the summer heatwaves

Explore the Enclosure of the Madmen Cabernet Sauvignon

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021

Vinous 90 Points | The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Grillos Cantores hails from Requínoa in the Cachapoal Andes region. After spending a year in concrete vats, this bright purple wine unfolds currant and sweet briar notes along with a faintly balsamic layer, all wrapped in a reductive manner. Dry, polished and light, this easygoing red offers fine-grained tannins with a lasting fruity/herbal finish. This is an unexpectedly light Cabernet from the Cachapoal area.

Memo Summary Notes

Rich Flavor Profile

The Clos des Fous Grillos Cantores Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, also known as the Enclosure of the Madmen, offers an exceptional tasting experience. This lush wine features bold flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of vanilla and spice. It is full-bodied but surprisingly smooth, making it an excellent choice for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Perfect Pairings

What sets this Cabernet Sauvignon apart is how well it pairs with a variety of dishes. Grilled meats, hearty pasta, and rich cheeses are delightful companions to this wine. However, it shines even on its own, inviting you to savor its complex layers of taste. Therefore, whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, this wine enhances the experience.

Craftsmanship Behind the Wine

The Enclosure of the Madmen represents a unique collaboration among winemakers devoted to quality and distinctiveness. This wine is meticulously crafted, reflecting the terroir of the Alto Cachapoal valley in Chile. Because of the attention to detail, the result is not just a drink but a story told in a bottle. You’ll appreciate each sip more as you discover the craftsmanship that went into it.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Tasting Panel 91 Points | Bold and beautiful, with stand-up notes of espresso, black pepper, and blackberry arising within a frame of spiced oak. Grainy tannins are bolstered by fine acidity. Made with organic grapes.

Winemaker Description

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of fruit from vineyards throughout California, including Mendocino County, Paso Robles, and other celebrated Cabernet regions. The year was characterized by a dry, cold winter, followed by a warm spring prompting vigorous growth. Moderate summer temperatures allowed the grapes to mature slowly and develop deep concentrated flavor. Although water scarcity resulted in a lower than average yield, the quality of the fruit was outstanding, resulting in a superb 2021 vintage.

Petite Sirah adds a touch of color, texture and spice to this Cabernet Sauvignon. A brilliant deep garnet hue hints at the wine’s powerful aromas and flavors of blackcurrant, black cherry and prune, layered over rich notes of leather, tobacco and graphite. This well-structured, medium-bodied Cabernet delivers elegant tannins, pleasing acidity and a lingering finish.

Winemaker Description

Pied à Terre is a phrase that translates to “foot to earth.” We feel that the farmer’s footprint is the best fertilizer and the most important sight in a vineyard. When the land is well-trodden, the vine will be well-tended, and the details not overlooked.

2018 was the first “normal” vintage in many years, with none of the climatic difficulties that complicated previous years of the past decade. Cooler temperatures and moderate weather led to a long growing season, allowing grapes to ripen smoothly. It was an epic vintage that produced wines with great structure and concentration without being overripe.

Expert Reviews 2022 Vintage

James Suckling writes:  A well-made, balanced and textured cabernet sauvignon showing notes of dark berries, sweet spices and some chocolate wafers. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Mellow, seductive and generous finish. Drink or hold.  - James Suckling 90

Wine Enthusiast - 91 Points: This wine is robust and rich, with dark berry, plum, tarragon and maple aromas on the nose. The flavors on the palate are supple, sun-kissed blackberry, cassis, orange slices and dried tobacco, creating a classic wine.

The Tasting Panel Magazine - 91 Points: Perfumed with savory herbs and spices, this is a showcase of a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-forward yet pleasantly rustic, notes of rhubarb and cigar box linger with a hint of smoke.

Winemaker Notes (2022 Vintage)

Winemaker Description

Aromas of ripe black fruit, leather and vanilla are complemented with cassis flavors and hints of spices, with a long velvety finish.

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of cassis and ripe blackberries with notes of chocolate, nutmeg, spices and bark. Medium-bodied with juicy character and sleek, polished texture. Tannins are fine and chalky. Flavorful finish. 

The Wine Spectator 90 Points | Opens with a toasty vanilla bean and spiced pastry note that clings to the rich wild berry and plum core, which is kept honest by a streak of mineral acidity. Comes together nicely in the end, with a lingering note of chocolate. This is a touch flamboyant, but will have its fans. Drink now through 2028.

The Wine Enthusiast by Jesica Vargas 89 Points | Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, this Cabernet boasts aromas of vanilla and cocoa bean followed by a note of strawberry. Oak spices repeat on the soft palate and are matched by blackberry and strawberry flavors. 

Winemaker Description 

Deep red color, with ruby color. With a characteristic fruitiness of Maipo costa, red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries and cassis are mixed with aromas of black pepper, some moist soil and tobacco. Of elegant and smooth body, of balanced structure, good acidity that increases the complexity. Tannins present and soft at the same time, ending with a prolonged end-of-mouth sensation.

Winemaker Description 

Our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon with its deep garnet color, opens with inviting aromas of dark cherry, and nutmeg. The flavors of dark cherry and plum with a hint of vanilla are perfectly paired with balanced acidity and moderate tannins. This elegant Cabernet is accessible now, but its structure and complexity will see it through many years of aging.

Warehouse stored item - please allow three to five business days to fulfill.

Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | There are so many gems coming out of the 2023 vintage in California. Flavors of fresh-picked red berries, plums, pomegranates, mint sprigs, a kiss of earth and sunshine tell the story of a short but almost perfect growing season. Pick this one up and give it a whirl on the dinner table.  — Tonya Pitts 

Expert Review - Vintage 2021

The Tasting Panel 92 Points | Spiced cedar and espresso open up to dusted cocoa and black tea. Round tannins create a plush platform for a finish of blackberry pie.

Winemaker Description

Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure expression of its region. Concentrated aromas of graphite, boysenberry, dark cherry, a hint of menthols and black olive sit atop clove and brown sugar notes. Rich, round and robust in structure, this wine showcases ripe, concentrated flavors of dark fruit, complemented by chocolate, molasses, tobacco spice and a balanced finish.

Discover Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Discover the bold character of Washington State's acclaimed Red Mountain AVA with Hedges Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2022. Crafted by the renowned Hedges Family Estate using sustainable farming practices, this exceptional Cabernet showcases the unique microclimate and terroir that make Red Mountain one of the premier wine regions in the Pacific Northwest. Each 750ml bottle delivers a rich, structured wine with remarkable depth and aging potential.

Tasting Profile

This Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon presents a deep, rich color and offers enticing aromas of blackberry, cassis, black plums, anise, fig, and cedar, complemented by notes of cardamom, fresh leather, graphite, dried herbs, dusty cocoa, and cinnamon. The palate is lush, rich, and round, featuring layers of black cherry, plum, and dark fruit coated in firm, sandy tannins. Bitter chocolate and char accents add complexity, while balanced acidity provides structure. The wine finishes long and tense with lingering graphite and cocoa notes.

Expert Recognition - Prior Vintage 

James Suckling - 93 Points (2021 Vintage)
"Dense and dark, with aromas of cedar, cinnamon and black plums, then tight on the palate as bitter chocolate and black cherries are coated in firm, sandy tannins. Char and graphite accents build and linger on the finish."

Perfect Pairings

• Grilled steaks and prime rib
• Rich pasta dishes with meat sauces
• Braised short ribs and lamb
• Aged cheeses and charcuterie
• Hearty stews and roasted meats

Red Mountain Excellence

Hedges Family Estate has established a stellar reputation for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon from Red Mountain's distinctive terroir. The region's warm days, cool nights, and well-drained soils create ideal conditions for developing concentrated flavors and balanced structure. This 2022 vintage can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit character or cellared for years to develop more nuanced complexity. A smart addition to any wine collection and perfect for both special celebrations and memorable dinners.

Expert Review

San Francisco Chronicle | Brendel likes to say that they have a secret ingredient: dirt. Their range of wines are made from some of the best sites in Napa’s most renowned regions, including the eastern side of Rutherford (the main component here), the highest elevations of Howell Mountain, two diverse sites in St. Helena, and a steep plot in Oak Knoll. Each vineyard is chosen for its quality and unique aptitude, with soil types ranging from volcanic to clay to bring out the best in each grape in their array of wines. It’s, as they put it, good dirt.

Winemaker Description 

The 2021 Brendel Cooper’s Reed Cabernet Sauvignon is a fresh and vibrant take on Napa Valley’s famed grape varietal. Harvested under moonlight, the fruit is crushed at cool temperatures and then thoughtfully monitored throughout fermentation. After a 7-10 day fermentation, the wine is gently pressed to oak casks where it is allowed to mature for 9 months prior to bottling. Fruit is sourced from prized vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, giving the wine its mouthwatering structure, and elevage in upright oak casks preserves the bright red and black fruit characteristics.
– Brittany Sherwood, Director of Winemaking

Winemaker Description

Savory notes of fennel and sage are backed by deep aromas of mountain blackberry, black raspberry, and cassis. Woven into this complex profile are notes of wet limestone and gravel. On the palate: black raspberry and black currant, balanced by sage and anise notes. The dark fruit finish is complemented by balanced tannins, minerals and a touch of cedar. 

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast 94 Points | From a small 20-acre estate in the southern part of the prestigious Pauillac appellation, Bellegrave has produced a richly structured wine. Black-currant and toast aromas from the Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend give the wine richness and dense, concentrated black fruits.

James Suckling 94 Points | A nice smoky layer to the fresh blackcurrants, cedar and graphite. This shows the Pauillac structure and demureness with an appealing touch of dark, ashy fruit and a lead-pencil note. Full-bodied, the palate is packed with dusty, fine-grained tannins. Excellent length and verticality here. It will become even more resolved and long.

The Wine Spectator 93 Points | This is a dark and sleek offering, with gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit dusted with a cocoa note and gilded with violet and dried anise accents. A light kiss of singed cedar underscores the fresh finish.

Memo Summary Notes

The 2022 Chateau Bellegrave Pauillac is a standout vintage from this boutique 20-acre estate, which sits in a prestigious neighborhood between legendary neighbors like Chateau Latour and Lynch-Bages.

Pair with 

Best served with roasted lamb, a thick ribeye with rosemary, or a mushroom-heavy risotto.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 98 Points | This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste.

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points | The deep ruby/purple-hued 2022 Château D'Issan is rock star stuff, offering a massive array of red and black fruits, spring flowers, violets, smoky tobacco, and a beautiful sense of minerality. This full-bodied, powerful, concentrated Issan has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish.

Decanter 96 Points | Deep, heady, really quite seductive and aromatic on the nose, draws you in with bramble fruits, chocolate, exotic spices and perfumed floral nuances. Juicy and lively, pure and focussed, but such a vibrancy to this wine. Sweet and sour elements combine with really salty, chalky, powdery and quite filling tannins that give the nuance of flavour and texture. Bright yet serious, finessed yet layered. Lovely intensity of elements. On the more savoury side right now in terms of lingering flavour but there’s mouthwatering acidity giving the liveliness and sense of fun. I really like this, textured, upfront, forward, extremely drinkable and so approachable, but thrilling too. An exciting wine with great integration and finesse and still clear strength underneath. One of the most exciting wines this year. Stylish, potent and polished. I love it! A yield of 30hl/ha. Harvest 15 - 28 September. 1% PV planted in 1948, 12% press wine. 2% Malbet and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. Total acidity: 3.55. 50% new barrels. 3.67pH.

The Wine Advocate 95 Points | The 2022 D'Issan has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of minty cassis, rose petals, pencil shavings and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, suave and velvety, it's deep, complex and well-balanced, with a sweet core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins.

Vinous 94 Points | The 2022 d'Issan is a potent, tightly wound wine. Gravel, incense, leather, licorice and plum fill out the layers. This deep, virile Margaux is in no mood to show its cards today. I expect it to be very slow to mature. There's a lot of wine here. Powerful tannins dominate, which is unusual considering that Issan is often more charming at the outset.

Memo Summary Notes

The Chateau D'Issan Margaux 2022 is a historic release for this 1855 Third Growth estate. It has achieved legendary status early on, being named James Suckling's #1 Wine of the Year for 2025. This vintage marks a significant technological milestone for the property, as it is the first to be vinified in their state-of-the-art vat room featuring smaller, plot-specific tanks for extreme precision.

Pair with
    •    Classic: Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary or a pan-seared duck breast.
    •    Rich Savory: Beef tenderloin with a truffle reduction or a hearty mushroom risotto.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe dark berries, grilled herbs, licorice, ground cloves and walnuts on the nose. Full-bodied, dense and creamy, with velvety tannins and a fruit-forward, seductive aftertaste. Succulent and concentrated. Drink or hold.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2022

James Suckling 97 Points | Outstanding balance and complexity from the beginning that showcases concentrated black fruits and purple flowers with plenty of spices and subtle yet harmonious toast and cedar aromas. Intense graphite and stony minerality, too. Full- to medium-bodied on the mid-palate with delightful acidity that gives this wonderful crunchiness. Fine-grained juicy tannins. Precisely focused wine that is colorful and sound. Beautiful length, too. Already so drinkable now but will age gracefully, especially for Atlas Peak.

Winemaker Description

This is a truly remarkable vintage of our iconic flagship wine. The bouquet is intense with fragrant notes of wild sage, blackcurrant, cedar, and fresh mint. The palate is expansive and full-bodied with a sumptuous mouthfeel, showcasing layers of ripe blackberry, redcurrant, and red rose petal alongside earthier tones of graphite, licorice root, gravely stone, and dark chocolate. Subtle baking spices from the French oak barrel aging provide sandalwood, clove, and Ceylon cinnamon notes, while the signature “Rutherford Dust” tannins are silky, polished, and fine-grained, finishing long with a cocoa powder texture. Slightly reserved upon release but incredibly drinkable, elegant, and pleasing, the tannins provide approachability with beautiful harmony and balance. There is significant presence, depth, and concentration in this Private Reserve, foreshadowing cellar-worthy potential that will continue to evolve, unfold, and develop across the next few decades.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2021 

Jeb Dunnuck 98+ Points | “The flagship 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges De Latour Private Reserve is in the same ballpark as the 2019 and is an incredibly elegant yet concentrated 2021 that does everything right. Purple-hued, with ample cassis, wild sage, graphite, and darker chocolate-like aromatics, it picks up a Graves-like gravelly earth character with air and is full-bodied, has ripe, polished tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. As with many of the top 2021s, it’s a touch reserved and closed and needs 4-5 years of bottle age, but will drink well for 30 years.”

James Suckling 98 Points | “Intense aromas of iodine, blackcurrants, cedar, sandalwood and mint follow through to a medium to full body with silky tannins that spread across the palate and expand in a balanced and harmonized way. Hints of chocolate and fruit at the end. Some tar. Drinkable but better in a few years. Try in 2027 and beyond.”

Wine Spectator 95 Points | “This is packed with dark, winey flavors of black currant and blackberry paste underscored with alder, sweet tobacco, warm paving stone and black licorice notes, while a violet accent fills the background. The polished finish makes this accessible now, but there’s plenty of life ahead. Drink now through 2042.” James Molesworth  - Wine Spectator’s #2 Wine of the Year 2024

Winemaker Description

The 2019 Adaptation Cabernet Sauvignon is a gorgeous expression of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from a superb vintage. Revealing blackberries, black currants, crème de cassis, with hints of espresso, cocoa powder, and fine gravely undertones, this seamless full-bodied wine carries remarkable freshness and purity, delivering up front appeal with long-term potential.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2019 

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Coming mostly from the Oso Vineyard in Pope Valley, but with fruit from sites throughout the Valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, and 2% Petite Sirah that spent 18 months all in French oak. Red and black fruits, spicy herbs, chocolate, and hints of leather all shine here, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a round, layered mouthfeel. (2019).

Robert Parker 91 Points | An offering from Odette, Adaptation's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon features a nice mix of red and black fruits—cherries and cassis—plus hints of vanilla and cedar. It's medium to full-bodied but easy to drink and not overly rich or textured, but it's nicely balanced, with a long, mouthwatering finish. 

Antonio Galloni writes:  The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Adaptation is a rich, bombastic wine from vineyards in Pope Valley. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, spice, new leather and tobacco are front and center. A dollop of Merlot adds mid-palate pliancy and juiciness. This full-throttle Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the goods.  - Vinous 91

Powerful and driven, State Ranch captivates the nose with a perfume of mixed wild berries, black cherry and aromatic herbs. At once juicy and concentrated, layers of black plum, black currant, and clove flavors unfold on the tongue. Polished tannins melt into the palate, beautifully framing the wine from the entry to the long, silky finish. Winemaker Description. 

Winemaker Description 

Sourced from celebrated vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, Vintner’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon over-delivers in its class. Artisan winemaking methods, such as extended maceration, soften the tannins and intensify the rich black currant, mocha, and vanilla flavors. Structured with an elegant, velvety finish, this is one of the best California Cabernet Sauvignons you’ll find for under $30.

Try it with grilled hamburgers, beef and broccoli, or barbacoa tacos. 

83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec

Memo Summary Notes

The Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 (375ml) is a staple of California winemaking, offering a "boutique" quality in a convenient half-bottle format. This size is equivalent to roughly 2.5 glasses of wine, making it ideal for a solo dinner or a weeknight pairing.

Extremely versatile. It pairs perfectly with grilled burgers, rib-eye steak, beef short ribs, or lasagna. For a lighter pairing, try it with lamb sliders or an Impossible burger.