772 | Wine | Cabernet Sauvignon | Page 4

"Upon first taste, our Frei Brothers 2010 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon immediately exhibits aromas of dusty blackberry and lilting tones of mint. This wine displays the hallmarks of Alexander Valley through sagebrush and mocha flavors accompanied by an unmistakable mouthfeel density."

"A classic expression of Napa Valley Cabernet at its best: Remarkably rich and concentrated. Tantalizing entry -almost sweet with blackberry essence, it evolves into a plush, mouth filling compote of black fruit, beautifully integrated with woodsy and mineral notes, mocha, tobacco and clove. For all its volume the delivery is surprisingly fresh and supple, with a long, mocha-infused finish."

"Combines plushness of texture and depth of flavor (dark berries, tobacco, chocolate) with welcome vivacity and saliva-inducing salinity. It should offer fine value over the next half dozen or more years."

"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."

"This full-bodied wine offers layers of concentrated flavors of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum, with a hint of light oak. All these flavors unite to form a long, smooth, and harmonious finish."

"Cassis, blueberry, violet, licorice, menthol and herbs on the pure nose. Creamy-sweet in the mouth, but nicely integrated acidity and a touch of herbs give the wine good energy and lift. Finishes firm and fresh, with fine-grained, supple tannins and plenty of structural support. A juicy, brisk, refreshing cabernet." -Stephen Tanzer

"Aromas of strawberry, cherry and cola lead to a silky, soft palate that culminates into a long velvety finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon is elegant yet approachable and complex."