1 | Wine | California, 95 or higher, 2006

"The dense purple-colored 2006 Madrona Ranch is extraordinary. Its nose of charcoal, espresso roast, blackberries, cassis, crushed rocks, and white chocolate is followed by a ripe, pure wine with a fabulous mid-palate texture (a characteristic of all these wines), and good balance as well as length."

"The flagship wine, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select performed even better this year than last year. A candidate for one of the top “wines of the vintage,” it reveals beautiful aromas and flavors of grilled meats and herbs intertwined with extravagant amounts of blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice, and charcoal. Extremely full-bodied, pure, deep, and layered, this is another prodigious Hillside Select that should evolve for 25-30 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The prodigious 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals aromas of flowers, espresso roast, blackberries, and creme de cassis. This exuberant, rich, full-bodied Cabernet coats the palate, but is neither heavy nor overbearing. Sweet, substantial, well-integrated tannins along with decent acidity, and a stunningly long, 50-second finish make for a compelling glass of young, but promising Cabernet Sauvignon." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard is a profound Cabernet Sauvignon. The equivalent of a Bordeaux first-growth Pauillac, it boasts abundant quantities of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, cedar, and subtle smoky oak and espresso notes. Atypically sexy for a 2006, it is full-bodied with oodles of concentrated black fruits, stunning purity and length, and a finish that lasts for nearly a minute." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 96+ pts.

"Sweet notes of bouquet garni intermixed with roasted coffee, chocolate, black cherry, and black currant. The wine is deep, rich, round, but once the tannins kick in at the back of the palate, this wine clearly begs for bottle age." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Pure, rich and concentrated. ...this bold, graceful wine offers a deep core of earthy currant, blackberry and plum, with hints of herb, mocha and black licorice, giving it uncommon complexity and depth. Ends with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish."

"The flagship wine, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select performed even better this year than last year. A candidate for one of the top “wines of the vintage,” it reveals beautiful aromas and flavors of grilled meats and herbs intertwined with extravagant amounts of blackberry and cassis fruit, licorice, and charcoal. Extremely full-bodied, pure, deep, and layered, this is another prodigious Hillside Select that should evolve for 25-30 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Sweet, smoky, meaty aromas interwoven with melted asphalt, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and charcoal scents emerge from the complex aromatics. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, displaying sweet tannin, a concentrated mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish with substantial fruit, glycerin, and extract. It should drink beautifully for 20+ years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Pure, rich and focused. ...full-bodied and concentrated, showing firm black cherry and blackberry fruit, with black olive, sage, dusty earth and mineral hints. Gains depth and complexity, with a long, persistent finish."

"The 2006 Thorevilos exhibits an extraordinary floral aroma backed up by scents of blueberries, blackberries, espresso roast, and an incredible liqueur of rocks-like component. The compelling floweriness, blue and black fruits, and full-bodied richness make this one of the most distinctive and extraordinary wines of Napa. Strutting its stuff even more this year than it was last year, it should provide immense pleasure over the next 25+ years."