772 | Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon, $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."

"All of the Cabernet Sauvignon is from our Reserve Block here at the Estate. The 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon shows the intrinsic black stone fruit nuances and the soft tannin structure that define our Oakville, Napa Valley-floor Cabernet. The Reserve Cabernet gets every ounce of special care a winery can devote to its flagship wine."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags’ Leap District (Napa Valley) is quite pretty in this vintage. A warm, resonant bouquet laced with espresso, plums and spices meld into expressive dark berries as this mid-weight, polished Cabernet opens up in the glass. Hints of raspberry jam, rose petals and mocha are layered into the persistent finish. Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is rarely inexpensive, but this is about as good as it gets for the money."

"Creamy vanilla-tinged oak cloaks dried currant and berry fruit, graphite and crushed rock, firming nicely on the finish. A true to form Cakebread Cabernet."

"This cabernet is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully for many years. The aroma is bursting with ripe cassis, blackberry, plum and a hint of lavender. This intense ripe fruit is complemented by subtle hints of clove, anise and sweet toasty vanilla. The palate is rich and round with silky tannins that envelope an intense core of fruit that carries through to an incredibly long finish."

"The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Georges de Latour Private Reserve is a radiant, fleshy wine endowed with layers of dark red fruit, licorice, spices and freshly cut flowers. It shows striking depth and purity, while retaining elements of classicism that are very attractive. Everything about the 2009 is first-class."

"This wine has well-integrated flavors, deep color and a full mouthfeel. It displays intriguing aromas of cassis, black cherry and dark chocolate, with undertones of sweet tobacco and cedar. Rich texture and a restrained oak framework support the opulent flavors of ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis."

"An infant today, the 2009 is all about promise and potential. The wine possesses stunning depth and concentration, with fabulous balance and tons of personality. The only thing it needs is time. This dark, brooding Cabernet Sauvignon is a lot to look forward to."