3 | Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, 91 to 95, 1.5 L

"A wine of great density, focus and concentration, with tiers of ripe blackberry, wild berry, mocha, espresso and black licorice flavors, ending with a tight, firm, fine-grained tannic backbone."

"The tannins are velvety soft and the wine is beautifully textured and full-bodied. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection is the first example of this cuvee to include Merlot (about 14%) in the blend. The Merlot component has given the wine a cocoa/chocolate nuance to its black currant, licorice-infused fruit. It is ideal for drinking now and over the next 15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"The wine is full-bodied, youthful, tannic, and a promising candidate for long-term cellaring. ...The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon is a more closed and restrained style of wine, with firm tannins, Bordeaux-like austerity, but dense ruby/purple with notes of menthol, black currant liqueur, coffee, and a hint of olive." Reviewed by Robert Parker, 92+ pts.

"The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Signature is a dark, mysterious beauty endowed with considerable depth and richness. Mocha, chocolate, spices and plums fuse together gracefully as this soft, supple wine takes shape in the glass. I very much like the immediacy of the 2010. Only a little bit of persistence is missing on the finish, but not enough to materially detract from what is a gorgeous bottle of wine. For Napa Valley standards, this is about as good as it gets for the money."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Clone 337 is a deceptively mid-weight wine. As is often the case, the 337 clone in To Kalon yields a style of Cabernet Sauvignon that is intensely perfumed, graceful and totally impeccable. Exotic red berries, flowers and spices meld together beautifully in this poised, gracious Cabernet Sauvignon."

"Tight and concentrated with a dense, rich, chewy beam of dried currant, mineral, graphite, black cherry and blackberry fruit that's intense and full-blown, both flexing its muscle while displaying deft balance. Ends with a compact, layered finish."

"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.

"Notes of creme de cassis, charcoal, smoke, and fruitcake. Full-bodied and dense with the vintage’s sweet tannins on display, this long, voluptuous, sexy Cabernet should be enjoyed over the next 15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"Smoky cherry and cassis aromas are complicated by wilted rose, cured meat, licorice and sexy oak spices. Lush and creamy in texture, offering well-delineated red- and blackcurrant flavors, good dusty tannic grip, and a sweet, expansive finish. Impressively deep and chewy, but good mineral lift keeps everything in check."

"Ruby-red. Bright red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by dusty rose and mineral notes. Sweet raspberry and cherry flavors are smooth in texture and supported by fine-grained tannins. The red fruit notes linger impressively on the precise finish."