4 | Wine | Sonoma County, $50 to $100

"Our 2008 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a dark, rich full-bodied wine with great tannic structure and mouth-feel. It has a garnet color and a nose of ripe boysenberries, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, sandalwood and a hint of roasting meat. On the palate, it is mouth-coating and incredibly rich in umami. It has a very long, savory finish with the slight grip of fine-grained tannins. Given proper cellaring, this wine should give drinking pleasure through 2030."

"Mocha, espresso and savory herbs add nuance and complexity as this dark wine gradually unfurls in the glass. I see terrific depth and richness here, but readers will have to be patient. There is a lot going on here."

"Graphite, crushed rocks, wild flowers and dark red cherries are all wrapped together in firm, intense Pinot that isn’t ready to show all of its cards just yet".

"Upon opening, dark fruits, pomegranate, figs, orange blossom and bergamot on the nose. Evolving with time to show dried and fresh flowers, cherries and forest floor. On the palate, taut acidity, supple tannins and the restrained fruit of a cool vintage."

"Displays a medium dense scarlet center with shimmers of magenta. The energetic nose offers a mélange of young red fruit, Crispin apple and hibiscus tea. The bright entry sings with the palate while releasing jabs of forest berries and touches of sandalwood and cardamom. The full body carries a savory quality that rounds with sturdy tannin integration and concentrated acidity. The finely-grain French oak lifts the fruit elusively. A wine that is intensely nuanced now yet will continue to reveal itself over the next 5-10 years."

"A tour de force, with layers of rich, smoky oak, fig, honeydew melon and baked, glazed apple, this weaves together a broad range of flavors, yet for all its size remains elegant and delicate. A roasted marshmallow aftertaste marks the finish."

"Picking up a glass of this wine, its lovely platinum hue portends the opulent character to be revealed. The deeply mouthwatering aroma is creamy with scents of nutmeg, vanilla and luscious crème brûlée. The palate opens with inviting flavors of papaya and ripe persimmon, balanced by a fresh accent of minerality on the extended, full finish."