2001 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon Terrace Select, USA, California, Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2001
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$250.00USD

This is made from grapes on the terrace just south of the winery.  At age 21, it is drinking beautifully.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black cherries, cassis and spice.  Full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate black cherries and cassis.  Clean.  Nice complexity.  Long finish. This should drink well for another five to eight years.  It will work well with Lasagna.  

2006 A. Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2006
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Purple in color, ruby at the rim, mostly clear and bright.  The nose is very nice with black cherries, cassis, slight spice and slight black olives.  Medium to full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this is still fresh and vibrant.  Tasty.  Some depth and complexity as it unwinds in the glass.  Great balance.  Good finish.  Drinking well now, it should go another five to seven years with no trouble.  Nice on its own, but better with food.  It worked well with eggplant parmigiana.  

2009 Lagier Meredith Syrah, USA, California, Napa, Mt. Veeder, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This winery recently sold.  While the former owners, Napa legends Carole Meredith and Steve Lagier, are entitled to work a bit less, the wines will be missed.  Quality Syrah (and others) at very fair pricing.  This one is no exception.  2009 was a good vintage provided the grapes were harvested before the early fall rains.  It would appear these were.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with black raspberries, black pepper, slight gamey meats.  Medium to full bodied.  Very concentrated.  On the palate, light tannins.  Plenty of black raspberry fruit with some black pepper

2009 Taylor (Fladgate) Porto Vintage

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$80.00USD

Still very young but drinking well.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has dark chocolate, cherries, dried cherries and slight sandalwood.  Full bodied.  Viscous.  Slightly sweet.  Deep.  Light tannins.  On the palate, dark chocolate covered cherries.  Slight warming on the finish.  This drink well for another twenty years or more.  Nice on its own or would be great with a chocolate dessert.  

2003 Fonseca Porto Vintage, Portugal, Douro, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2003
Score: 
96
Grade: 
Current Price: 
$80.00USD

Nice to revisit this.  At age 19, this is still youthful but starting to show some refinement.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is great with chocolate covered raisins and some red raspberries.  Lots of energy.  Slightly viscous.  On the palate, chocolate and raisins.  Sweet, not cloying.  Some heat on the finish.  This should easily go another fifteen or twenty years.  Great on its own or with some type of blue cheese.

2012 L'Ecole No. 41 Perigee Estate Seven Hills Vineyard, USA, Washington, Seven Hills, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

This is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc and 5% each of Malbec and Petit Verdot.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is nice with black cherries and spice.  Light tannins.  Deep and complex.  On the palate, black cherries, cherries and some spice.  Nice balance.  Nice finish.  This seems to be about at peak and should drink well for another five to eight years.  A nice match with Lamb Stew. 

2012 L'Ecole No. 41 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Ferguson Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, USA, Washington, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$70.00USD

This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.  Purple in color with slight ruby swirls.  The nose is interesting with clay, black cherries and cassis.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is slightly sweet with cassis and cedar.  Nice finish.  Drinking well now.  Drink over the next five to eight years.  A nice match with roasted duck.  

2014 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Block One, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$72.00USD

This is from fruit from the Champoux Vineyard.  Ruby/purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  Cassis, graphite, slight burnt rubber and a hint of volatile acidity on the nose.  Full bodied.  Nice texture.  On the palate, cassis with some cedar.  Deep and complex.  Medium tannins.  Long finish.  This is showing well and pretty close to peak.  No hurry though.  Drink over the next ten to twelve years.  Better with food.  This would work well with Beef Wellington.  

1995 Woodward Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon Dedication Series #15, USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
1995
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Nice trying this wine at age 27.  While past prime, this still has something to offer.  Purple/ruby in color, flat and mostly opaque.  The nose has sandalwood, cherries and dried cherries.  Medium  bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, tasting a bit tired with dried cherries, but also some fresh cherries.  Moderate finish.  Certainly enjoyable but drink up.  Nice with chili or a stew.  

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