1 | Wine | Napa Valley | Page 2

"Knockout floral lift to the aromas of black raspberry, blueberry, blond tobacco, almond and mint. Suave, savory and extremely precise, with penetrating flavors of dark berries, licorice, minerals and cocoa powder. The petit verdot component acts as an amplifier of aromas and flavors, notes winemaker Tod Mostero, "like a good seasoning." Medicinal in a Bordeaux way. The finishes shows outstanding length, noteworthy juiciness, and firm, noble tannins. A great vintage for Dominus."
Reviewed by Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, 95 pts

"The 2009 Dominus flows from the glass with layers of highly expressive fruit. The wine possesses stunning richness, power and depth. Dark red fruit, tobacco, flowers and spices are woven into a seamless, beautifully articulated finish. Elegance and intensity are in perfect harmony here. This is a thrilling wine from Dominus."

"The 2010 North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon continues the legacy of The Dreaming Tree’s inaugural 2009 vintage, with elegant and supple fruit flavors. Each of the North Coast’s renowned winegrowing regions brings unique fruit character and structure—including herbs and blackberry flavors from Sonoma County, cherries and spicy notes from Mendocino County, and earth tones and mouthfilling tannins from Lake County."

"This elegant and medium-bodied wine offers aromas of Cherry and herbal spice. On the palate the wine gives complex layers of cinnamon, spice, black cherry, sweet vanilla oak and floral notes, with a long velvety finish. Smooth with a silky texture and mild tannins, this versatile wine pairs well with lamb, chicken, veal, salmon and light pasta dishes."

"Montelena’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco and sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena’s 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 and drink well for at least another decade beyond that."

"The Napa Cellars 2011 Pinot Noir has a stunning bright light garnet color in the glass with visible density. This elegant wine delivers beautiful aromas of ripe cherry, sweet tobacco, raspberry and cedar with subtle spice notes. Fresh fruit flavor of deep, red cherry burst open in the mouth and is supported by fantastic acidity. Smooth tannins linger with the pure fruit leading to a long finish of aromatic sweetness and elegance. For a decadent meal, pair this wonderful wine with grilled chicken and sautéed mushrooms for dinner and dark chocolate for dessert."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon flows from the glass with plums, black cherries, graphite, grilled herbs and smoke. This fleshy, up-front Cabernet Sauvignon shows fabulous overall balance and harmony in a style best enjoyed over the next decade or so."

"Plummy nose, with some savory tobacco suggestions swirling in the background. On the palate the taste of black raspberries and cherries laced with chocolate and espresso, with just a hint of tannic grip on the finish. Mouth-filling and voluminous, this wine is all about sensuous curves--but possesses a fine bone structure to age gracefully for at least a few years. And lots of flavor to burn."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve is a beautifully balanced wine. Firm yet well-integrated tannins frame a core of dark red berries, flowers, mint, spices and licorice. The Reserve shows lovely inner perfume and mid-palate juiciness. It should drink well with a minimum of cellaring."