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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Mon, Jan 26, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2006 and 2006
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2006 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2009): Dark red. Plum, redcurrant, tobacco and strong cedary oak on the nose. Dense and chewy but bright, with very good intensity to the flavors of redcurrant, plum, raspberry and nutty oak. Harmonious acidity gives the fruit a penetrating quality and helps it absorb its strong layer of oak. Finishes supple, smooth and long, with lovely sweetness. Very well done: I note that I rated this wine ahead of the cabernet bottlings from both Waters and Gramercy Cellars. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2006 |
Lorraine Alban Estate Syrah |
$225 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): Named after his raven-haired Irish wife, the 2006 Syrah Lorraine, which comes from more sandy soils, is another prodigious effort. Like all of these wines, it is a remarkable wine of extraordinary intensity, with a stunning nose of blueberries, bacon fat, camphor, and even darker blackberries, along with unreal minerality and definition for a wine of this size and power. Full-bodied, with profound intensity of flavor as well as purity, this is another wine that spent nearly three and a half years in barrel prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. While there are 2,500 six-pack cases of the Reva, there will be only 350 six-packs of the Lorraine.
JD 100 (6/2011): Utterly classic and one of the most profound wines I’ve been able to taste coming out of California, the 2006 Alban Vineyards Syrah Lorraine, from sandy soils (this estate’s cuvees are driven by soil types) and aged for close to 4 years in French oak, delivers a jaw dropping bouquet of darker styled fruits, licorice, roasted meats, and dark chocolate that gives way to more nuanced notions of spice, flowers, and even some red fruit characteristics with air. Very deep and gorgeously layered aromatically, the wine is massive on the palate with a full, rich texture that somehow stays light and fresh, impeccable balance (and even some elegance), loads of fruit, and a seriously mineral-laced finish that simply will not quit. Count yourself lucky if you’ve been able to latch on to a bottle or two of this. It’s superb now, and I don’t see that changing over the next two decades.
WS 97 (2/2011): Combines dark, powerful blackberry, wild berry, plum and black licorice flavors on a seamless texture. Full-bodied, with floral, spicy, peppery aromas that end up gliding across the palate. Drink now through 2024. 450 cases made.
VM 95 (11/2010): Inky purple. Knockout bouquet offers a kaleidoscopic array of red and dark berry and floral scents, with powerful complicating notes of incense, allspice, patchouli and white pepper. A dense, strikingly concentrated but lively wine that reaches every corner of the palate with sweet black raspberry, boysenberry liqueur and floral pastille flavors. Turns spicier with air, picking up an intriguing spicecake quality that carries through the focused, endless finish. This wine's blend of depth, power and energy is really something; you could actually drink it now, but it really deserves cellaring. Josh Raynolds. |
|
|
2006 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$200 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): The 2006 Syrah Reva, coming from parcels of dark, volcanic soil, has off-the-chart richness and intensity. This thick, opaque-purple colored wine offers up notes of scorched earth, ground pepper, and blackberry liqueur intermixed with cassis, licorice, camphor, and tar. The wine is spectacular in every sense. Full-bodied and certainly not for wimps, this is a remarkably concentrated yet very nuanced and intense wine that should age for 20 more years.
JD 98 (11/2010): Truly extraordinary, the 2006 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard is a jaw dropping Syrah, sporting rich, full aromatics of smoky dark fruits, steak tartare, tapenade, and licorice. These carry over to the palate where the wine is perfectly built, possessing awesome concentration, solid, almost burly structure, and a phenomenal texture that coats the palate, but at the same time, stays light, fresh, and clean. I’m a huge fan, and while delicious now, I’ve no doubt this will continue to drink well for 15 to 20 years.
WS 97 (12/2010): A luxurious style, rich, layered and dramatic, yet stays stylishly textured and balanced, offering a fleshy core of deep blackberry, wild berry and plum, with shades of tar, mineral, pepper and sage. Drink now through 2022. 2,300 cases made.
VM 94+ (11/2010): Glass-staining purple. Blackberry, boysenberry and licorice pastille on the nose, with mounting spice and floral notes and a strong wallop of cracked pepper. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit flavors expand with air and pick up strong spicecake and candied flower notes, along with velvety tannins. More backward than the Lorraine today, and showing a darker profile. The finish completely stains the palate and lingers with intense floral and spicy persistence. This is still a baby. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend Signed Bottle |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2009): The Outstanding 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits sweet plum, black currant, coffee, and chocolate notes intertwined with notions of herbs and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and impressively textured with good length, it should drink well for 10-12 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Era Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2006 |
Right Bank Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2009): The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
| Anthill |
2006 |
Abbey-Harris Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2008): Deep red. Sexy strawberry, raspberry and blood orange on the nose, along with Asian spices and smoky minerals. Deeper-pitched on the palate, offering supple red and dark berry liqueur flavors, with energetic, spicy minerality adding vivacity. For such richness of fruit this is almost shockingly lithe and precise. Finishes with serious grip, juiciness and persistence. Pretty stunning stuff. Josh Raynolds.
BH 92 (10/2008): The nose immediately serves notice that you're on to something special here with its airy spice infused red and blue pinot fruit aromas that possess real depth as well as a beguiling touch of violets where the latter element can also be found on the rich, focused, sweet and intense flavors that, exactly like the 2005 so amply demonstrated, exude a clear sense of place, all wrapped in a dusty, pure, energetic and impressively long finish. In particular, I really like the mouth feel and it reminds me a bit of the Demuth in this sense as the vinification found the sweet spot between perfect extraction and the supporting elements. Terrific and absolutely recommended. (Drink starting 2012) |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2006 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$215 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95 (6/2009): Full ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of black raspberry, mocha, coffee and nutty oak, plus strong soil tones of spice, tobacco and iron. Wonderfully ripe and full but with a sappy menthol lift to the flavors of currant, minerals, mocha, tobacco and game. There's something Graves-like to this compellingly sweet wine. Compared to the Altagracia, the estate's flagship bottling has more of everything, including class. A worthy successor to the superlative 2005.
WA 92-93 (12/2008): The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard is more tannic, backward, and austere than either the 2005 or 2007. Although more monolithic than its siblings, it displays the Eisele character in its blue and black fruit, crushed rock, and flowery personality. It should be forgotten for 2-3 years, then enjoyed over the following two decades.
WS 91 (11/2009): Smooth, ripe and fleshy, this full-bodied red shows supple black cherry, plum and wild berry framed by a layer of toasty, mocha-laced oak. Elegant, stylish and understated, this gains complexity and depth on the finish, with hints of mineral and graphite. Drink now through 2016. 1,600 cases made. |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): Absolutely profound is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which clearly puts Beau Vigne alongside the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet as one of the stars of Stags Leap. A wine of great intensity, exceptional power, and admirable grace as well as equilibrium, this full-bodied 2006 offers beautifully sweet creme de cassis, licorice, spice box, and toasty oak characteristics. Multidimensional, with a layered mid-palate, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds, it will benefit from some bottle age, although it is accessible enough to be drunk now. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. This small boutique operation (nine acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and one acre of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) sits on a knoll in the Stags Leap viticultural area. Although somewhat under the radar among the top Napa producers, Beau Vigne’s offerings are very impressive. |
|
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2006 |
Homage to Ed Oliveira Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2008): Another brilliant effort from Lisa and Les Behrens is the 2006 Homage to Ed Oliviera Alder Sp rings Vineyard. This 300-case cuvee of 84% Syrah and 16% Petite Sirah displays black and blue fruits, raspberries, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, and wet stones. Dense, full-bodied, lush, and succulent, revealing oodles of fruit and glycerin as well as a hedonistic, blockbuster, fruit-driven style, it should age effortlessly for 5-10 years. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2006 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (12/2008): (a blend of 52% merlot; 30% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec) Bright red-ruby color. Subdued but pure and highly complex nose features candied cherry and red berries, brown spices, flowers and sexy dried herbs. Wonderfully silky and subtle on entry, then juicy and sharply delineated but quite closed in the middle, with terrific acidity and a strong spice character contributing to the impression of purity and lift. The note of cherry candy follows through on the palate. I'd give this youthfully tight wine five years in the cellar. Incidentally, winemaker Bob Betz told me that as of 2008 there will be no cabernet franc or malbec in this cuvee.
WA 93 (12/2008): The Bordeaux-styled wines start with the 2006 Clos de Betz, a blend of 61% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It was aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak. Purple/black in color, it reveals a fragrant nose of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, black cherry, blackberry, and plum. This leads to a smooth-textured, intense, layered wine with superb depth and concentration and enough stuffing to evolve for 4-6 years. It will reach its peak by 2012 and remain at that level through 2026.
WS 92 (6/2009): Ripe and generous, with a gentle layer of tannins wrapped around a glowing core of blackberry, currant and cream flavors that persist impressively into the long, expressive finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Best from 2010 through 2016. 925 cases made. |
|
| Blankiet |
2006 |
Rive Droite Proprietary Blend Nicked Capsule |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2009): (a 60/40 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon) Good deep, bright ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose combines mulberry, boysenberry, tobacco and flowers. Intensely flavored and sweet, with a scented quality to the fruit-driven flavors of ripe plum, mulberry and flowers. For all its breadth and sweetness this also boasts excellent tannic structure and grip. Beginning with vintage 2007, this wine is likely to include bits of petit verdot and cabernet franc (the Blankiets T-budded some of their merlot vines on rocky soil). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Rive Droite Proprietary Blend Lightly Nicked Label |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2009): (a 60/40 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon) Good deep, bright ruby-red. Highly aromatic nose combines mulberry, boysenberry, tobacco and flowers. Intensely flavored and sweet, with a scented quality to the fruit-driven flavors of ripe plum, mulberry and flowers. For all its breadth and sweetness this also boasts excellent tannic structure and grip. Beginning with vintage 2007, this wine is likely to include bits of petit verdot and cabernet franc (the Blankiets T-budded some of their merlot vines on rocky soil). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caldwell |
2006 |
Estate Grown Block 15 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caymus |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
3 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (12/2008): Full-blown, ripe and rich, with intense and sharply focused dried currant, wild berry and blackberry fruit that's still fairly tannic at this stage. Ends with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2015. 33,900 cases made. |
|
|
2006 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 94 (3/2009): Complex, riveting aromas of spice, cola and sassafras join wild berry, spice, black cherry and sage notes in this full-bodied, intensely flavored, tightly focused and very persistent display of fruit that's long and lingering. Drink now through 2017. 11,900 cases made. |
|
| Chimney Rock |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$750 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Colgin |
2006 |
IX Estate Proprietary Blend |
$475 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 100 (12/2008): From the Pritchard Hill Vineyard, the 2006 IX Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. The good news is that there are 1,500 cases of this cuvee. It, too, reveals the noble sweetness of tannin, the extraordinary rich, intense mouthfeel, and sumptuous aromas of flowers, burning embers, blackberries, blueberries, spice box, and cedar. With extraordinary intensity, beautiful purity, a texture and flavors that build incrementally on the palate, and a significantly long finish, this is a perfect wine.
WS 97 (11/2009): A stunning effort that offers a rich, full-bodied, layered band of ripe currant and green and black olive, with hints of herb and spice. Expands into a long, deep, penetrating finish, echoing chocolate brownie. Best from 2010 through 2018. 1,500 cases made.
JS 97 (4/2011): What a nose on this wine, almost makes drinking it unnecessary. Layers of lead pencil, blackberries, licorice, asphalt, roses, and so much more. Full bodied and tight, with so much to give still. The best is yet to come for this wine. Keep your hands off of this until 2015.
VM 95 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Exhilarating nose of wild berries, wild sage, bay laurel and flowers. Wonderfully dense and sweet, but with an extraordinary light touch to the black fruit, floral and spice flavors. A terrific core of ripe acidity gives the wine Outstanding inner-mouth lift and extends the finish, which builds inexorably. The tannins are firm but fine-grained. The best vintage to date for the winery's estate vineyard overlooking Lake Hennessey, which was planted in 2000. In fact, this is extraordinary for five-year-old vines. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Constant |
2006 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2009): Aromas of plum, cassis, menthol and dark chocolate, with complicating licorice and graphite nuances. Lush and nicely concentrated; a step up in sweetness from the Claret, with good energy to the currant, plum, mocha and chocolate flavors. This one is slightly herbal in a positive way. Finishes with dusty, building tannins and lingering berry and mineral flavors. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Coup de Foudre |
2006 |
Cuvee 37.2 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2009): The 2006 Blend 37.2 Cuvee (91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc) exhibits plenty of mocha, berry, chocolate, and licorice notes as well as a ton of new oak. The tannins are slightly gritty, and that problem is exacerbated by the oaky component. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on in this solidly made red. If the oak dissipates and the tannins fall away, an excellent wine should emerge in 4-5 years. |
|
| Dominus |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$249 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): There are 6,500 cases of the superb 2006 Dominus (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot). Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by aromas and flavors of truffles, forest floor, black cherries, black currants, and Asian spices. One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005's. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2006 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Favia |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Ghost Block |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): Better balanced is the impressive 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by plenty of creme de cassis, charcoal, roasted herb, and licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied and ripe with elegance, substance, and well-integrated tannins, it should drink well for 15-20 years. |
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| Grand Reve |
2006 |
Collaboration IV Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Grgich Hills |
2006 |
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 84 (12/2009): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of chocolate, red and black currants, and camphor, but high acids and high tannin give the wine a monochromatic, clipped, lean character that will not age out. Rather, the wine is likely to dry out. |
|
|
2006 |
Estate Grown Merlot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
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2006 |
Yountville Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 87 (5/2011): Elegant and refined, with complex cedar, currant, dried berry and herbal scents, this is supple in texture, with some mature notes, but drinking well already. Drink now through 2017. 1,110 cases made. |
|
| Groth |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 95 (10/2009): Pure, rich and focused, full-bodied and concentrated, showing firm black cherry and blackberry fruit, with black olive, sage, dusty earth and mineral hints. Gains depth and complexity, with a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2017. 1,500 cases made. |
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| Hall Winery |
2006 |
Darwin Red Wine |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
|
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2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Honig Cellars |
2006 |
Bartolucci Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2010): The intriguing thing about Honig’s two cuvees of Cabernet Sauvignon is that the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Bartolucci Vineyard is a good, solid effort, but is very tannic as well as slightly hard and sinewy. |
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| Igneous Vineyards |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): The dense purple-hued 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits beautiful aromas of scorched earth and black and blue fruits, graceful, medium to full-bodied flavors, high, but sweet tannin, plenty of glycerin, richness, purity, and intensity, and a multilayered mouthfeel. This beauty should hit its peak in 3-4 years, and last for 18-20. |
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| Korbin Kameron |
2006 |
Cuvee Kristin Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2006 |
J Daniel Cuvee Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Herb Lamb Vineyards |
2006 |
HL Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Karl Lawrence Cellars |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Modus Operandi |
2006 |
Antithesis Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Mondavi |
2006 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville reveals more licorice, spice, box, cedar, black cherries, and black currants in its complex, moderately intense aromatics. Full-bodied with outstanding concentration and moderate tannin, it displays the potential to improve for a decade, and last for 15-20 years thereafter. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2006 |
Howell Mountain Merlot |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Plumpjack |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91-93 (12/2007): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Estate possesses a dark ruby/purple color, firm tannin, a dense constitution, and plenty of sweet black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of new oak and scorched earth. It is more broodingly backward than the 2005, and appears to have a longer time line. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (12/2009): The top end offerings include the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Last year I reviewed the 2005 (although it was listed as the 2006), which did not turn out nearly as well as the 2006. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 exhibits notes of cassis, tar, crushed rocks, chocolate, and berry fruit in a full-bodied, fleshy format. It should drink nicely for a decade.
VM 89 (6/2009): Medium ruby-red. Subdued aromas of plum, currant, tar, earth, roasted herbs and cedary spices. The palate offers better definition and energy than the merlot, with nicely perfumed mountain berry and cedar flavors offering sneaky intensity. Finishes with a serious dusting of tannins and good life and length.
WS 88 (6/2009): Lots of toasty, creamy oak is wrapped around a supple core of black cherry and currant. Full-bodied, balanced and smooth, ending with complex, fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2014. 5,248 cases made. |
|
| Quintessa |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2009): This beautiful estate just off the Silverado Trail in Rutherford has turned out a spicy, elegant, understated 2006 that is very good, but does not ratchet up the level of performance enough to call it exciting. Dark plum and black currant fruits are intermixed with some weedy tobacco notes and subtle earthiness. The wine is well-made, restrained, and best drunk over the next decade. |
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| Realm |
2006 |
Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (5/2009): Bright medium ruby. Redcurrant, minerals and herbs on the intense nose, lifted by a floral element. Juicy, spicy and downright suave, with redcurrant and raspberry flavors complicated by tobacco leaf. Nothing overripe about this 2006. This really spreads out on the palate without leaving any impression of weight. Finishes with smooth tannins and excellent length. Stephen Tanzer. |
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|
2006 |
Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$250 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 96 (10/2009): Shows wonderful purity of flavor and focus, with rich, deep, concentrated layers of black cherry, blackberry, currant and plum, shaded by black licorice and mineral and framed by light toasty oak, lively acidity and firm, integrated tannins. Best from 2010 through 2017. 220 cases made. |
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|
2006 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (5/2009): Bright ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of dark fruits, smoke and flinty minerality; conveys a strong impression of rocks. Plush, sweet and seamless, with a silky texture to the dark berry, smoke and rock flavors. Nothing hot about this Napa cabernet. The big, broad, dusty tannins give this the backbone to age. "Our coolest site," notes winemaker Mike Hirby, adding that the red volcanic clay is also "cool" soil. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 83 (7/2009): Tough going. Dry, herbal and leathery, with earthy currant, graphite, pebble and cedary oak that dominate. While concentrated, it's short on complexity and charm at this point. Best from 2010 through 2016. 445 cases made. |
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|
2006 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2008): The 2006 The Bard, a combination of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, and 12% Merlot, offers beautiful notes of graphite, smoked herbs, burning embers, blackberries, and cassis. Ripe, broad fruit flavors are loaded with glycerin and extract. This extravagantly opulent 2006 reveals a long, heady finish with no hard edges. Despite the relatively high percentage of Petit Verdot, it can be drunk now and over the next 12-15+ years.
WS 92 (7/2009): Pure, rich, focused and concentrated, with a supple, graceful mix of ripe plum, currant and black cherry fruit that's both rich and elegant, graceful and balanced, ending with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2017. 160 cases made.
VM 91 (5/2009): (a blend of 64% cabernet sauvignon, 24% petit verdot and 12% merlot) Complex aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, cocoa powder, herbs and mint. Plump and lush, with good life and noteworthy depth to the fruit and spice flavors. The tannins are firm but sweeter than those of the Tempest and the finish boasts lovely aromatic persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Rudius |
2006 |
Spirit Rock Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (2/2009): Full-bodied aromas of beef, wild berry, black cherry and a hint of herb and a twinge of vegetation. Rich and complex on the palate, gaining nuance and length. Ends with full-bodied tannins. Drink now through 2014. 74 cases made. |
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| Saxum |
2006 |
Heart Stone Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2009): A blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 26% Mourvedre, the 2006 Heart Stone Vineyard offers up scents of flowers, lavender, black cherries, raspberries, blackberries, underbrush, and forest floor. Justin Smith uses a lot of whole clusters in his fermentation, which seems to give his wines structure as well as nuance. This is the most French-like of Saxum’s 2006s, and it comes across like a restrained, northern Rhone-like effort that is only hinting at its ultimate potential. It will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 10-15 years.
WS 93 (3/2009): Intense and powerful, with ripe, focused plum, blackberry and wild berry fruit that's shaded by pepper and nutmeg flavors. Full-bodied, dense and chewy, with pleasantly earthy tannins. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2014. 390 cases made.
VM 92 (12/2008): ( 38% syrah, 36% grenache and 26% mourvedre) Bright red. Sexy, strongly floral aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and candied flowers, with a suave Christmas spice quality. Sappy and sweet, with vivid red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a seductive overlay of cinnamon and mace. Bright minerals add lift and cut to the sappy finish. This was fermented with about 35% whole clusters. |
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| Scarecrow |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$725 |
3 |
|
| |
JS 99 (4/2011): Minerals, mint, and berries in the nose. Full, powerful, polished, with wonderfully dense tannins. The finish is long, long, long. This is amazing, I love the freshness and length. Very classy and elegant, wonderful stuff. I am wow'd. Great length, it's muscular with wonderful definition. This will be even more of a dream in 2015.
WA 94+ (12/2008): The full-bodied 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon does not possess any of the hard, foreboding tannins found in some 2006 Cabernets, but rather, it displays a silky, velvety personality. Although not as nuanced or complex as the 2005, it is a brilliant wine offering generous levels of black currant fruit intermixed with graphite, scorched earth, and a hint of underlying smoke. It will be surprisingly delicious early in its life but capable of lasting two-plus decades.
VM 94 (5/2009): Good full ruby-red. Complex nose offers blackcurrant, raspberry, mocha, coffee and licorice; conveys a strong site character. Silky-sweet and creamy in the mouth, with dark fruit and bitter chocolate flavors given an almost magically light touch by high notes of minerals, mint and lavender. Quite subtle and juicy for a wine with nearly 15% alcohol. Finishes with very fine tannins and terrific lift and length. Stephen Tanzer.
WS 92 (12/2015): Aging well, mature and softening, with a refined offering of anise, plum, loamy earth and cedary oak notes, this red is defined more by elegance and finesse than by richness or power. That graceful charm woos you. The better of two bottles tasted.-2006 California Cabernet blind retrospective. Drink now through 2022. 750 cases made. |
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| Seavey |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals the vintage’s burly, masculine, and muscular side. The wine is stacked and packed with fruit, extract, tannin, and muscle, but possesses much less suppleness and complexity than the 2005 or the sweetness of the 2007. The 2006, with chocolate, scorched earth, blackberry, and espresso roast notes, is shut down and dense at present, but is impressive, although in a backward style. This wine needs to be forgotten for at least 5-6 years. It is a powerful wine, but don’t touch it before 2013, and drink it over the following three decades.
VM 92+ (6/2009): Good ruby-red. Soil-inflected aromas of mocha, warm stones, tobacco, underbrush and dried berries, with a very ripe, almost liqueur-like aspect. Then big, chewy and deep, with a compelling sweetness to its smoke, tobacco and espresso flavors. Just juicy enough to maintain verve. Less lush and harmonious at this stage than the 2005 was, as its powerful tannic spine calls for several years of patience, but there's something sexy and exotic about this wine. |
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| Sine Qua Non |
2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,399 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
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| Sineann |
2006 |
Resonance Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
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| W.H. Smith |
2006 |
Piedra Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Snowden |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (12/2008): The prodigious 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 8+% Petit Verdot, and about 5% Cabernet Franc) 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. This 2006 should hit its peak in 3-5 years, and last for 25 or more..
WS 94 (7/2009): A touch earthy at first, but the flavors build and expand, with a medley of herb and mineral joined by dry currant, cedar and spice. Very Pauillac-like in its structure, balance and restraint. Keeps getting better with every sip. Best from 2010 through 2017. 1,000 cases made
VM 94 (6/2009): Dark ruby. Currant, minerals, dark chocolate, tobacco, loam, smoke, roast coffee and spicebox scents on the complex nose. Lush, concentrated and broad, with a seamless texture and a captivating restrained sweetness. A wine with serious stuffing, and a step up in intensity and suavity from the Ranch bottling. Finishes very long, with slowly mounting flavors and sweet tannins. |
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| Soos Creek |
2006 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2006 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2009): The 2006 Elivette is the leaner of the two, but it is a good wine, medium-bodied and best drunk over the next 10-12 years. |
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| Stags' Leap Winery |
2006 |
The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Torn Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
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| Sterling Vineyards |
2006 |
Napa Valley Sangiovese |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
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| Philip Togni |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$169 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate remains one of the finest bargains for long-lived California Cabernet Sauvignon. A dense purple color is followed by stunning aromatics of creosote, black olives, blackberries, cedar, and cassis. Full-bodied with a multi-layered texture, decent acidity, and substantial, but ripe, noble tannins, this excellent effort will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age, and will be another 30+ year wine. |
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|
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
2 |
|
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| WA 95+ (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate remains one of the finest bargains for long-lived California Cabernet Sauvignon. A dense purple color is followed by stunning aromatics of creosote, black olives, blackberries, cedar, and cassis. Full-bodied with a multi-layered texture, decent acidity, and substantial, but ripe, noble tannins, this excellent effort will benefit from 5-6 years of bottle age, and will be another 30+ year wine. |
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| Turley Wine Cellars |
2006 |
Dusi Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (6/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Superripe aromas of berry liqueur, dark chocolate and fruity pepper, with some distinctly exotic high tones. Lush, sweet, seamless and superripe, boasting terrific depth of fruit and bright framing acidity. This is magically light on its feet for a wine with 16.4% alcohol. Finishes very long, with suave tannins. Downright thick but not at all cloying.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): The 2006 Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard, another Paso Robles site, is a whopper at 16.4% alcohol, but has terrific fruit, slightly caramelized Amarone-like licorice, tar, and blackberry fruit, with decent acidity and a full-bodied mouthfeel with high glycerin. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.
WS 90 (7/2008): Ripe yet supple, with huckleberry, sage and toasty herb aromas and jammy, well-proportioned plum, licorice and mocha-espresso flavors. Drink now through 2012. |
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|
2006 |
Moore "Earthquake" Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 89-92 (6/2008): Bright medium red. Cherry, pepper and smoke, along with an intriguing flinty quality, on the slightly reduced nose. Moderately sweet and fat, with the smoke and flint nuances carrying through on the palate. Currently a rather atypical Moore, as it doesn't yet show the explosive fruit this bottling often displays. This is 15% alcohol "at the most," notes winemaker Jordan, adding that the fruit was harvested very late.
WS 91 (12/2008): Young and untamed, but that’s the appeal. Offers lively aromas
WA 88-90 (12/2007): One of my favorite Zinfandels is the Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard, but the 2006 was just not singing. It is an elegant style, with high acidity, and restrained and somewhat understated when comparing it with previous examples from this vineyard. We’ll see how it behaves. |
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2006 |
Pesenti Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 91-94 (12/2007): From the limestone soils of Paso Robles, the 2006 Zinfandel Pesenti is a beauty. The limestone seems to give Zinfandels in that area acidity, vibrancy, and aromatic personalities, but without sacrificing the intrinsic richness and intensity from low yields. This wine boasts fabulous briery, blackberry, and cherry fruit, a crushed rock note, and a long, heady finish. This is super Zinfandel that should last 7-8 years.
VM 93 (6/2008): Bright red-ruby. Expansive aromas of cherry, briary raspberry and pepper. Creamy in texture but at the same time bright and juicy, with lovely peppery, floral lift to the red fruit flavors. Finishes spicy, smooth and long, with pliant tannins. This was a very strong zinfandel vintage in the Paso Robles area, noted winemaker Ehren Jordan. |
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2006 |
Tofanelli Vyd. Zinfandel Torn Label |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90-93 (12/2007): Deep berry fruit intermixed with some caramelized herbs, spice box, and earth characterize the dark ruby 2006 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard. The wine exhibits purity, richness, and a heady finish.
VM 90-93 (6/2008): Bright red-ruby. Enticing nose offers raspberry, mocha and Tellicherry pepper. Silky on entry, then creamy and voluminous in the middle, with a strong spice character. Superrich if a bit youthfully aggressive, finishing with big but ripe tannins and lingering spice. Still in tank. |
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2006 |
Ueberroth Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 94 (5/2008): Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of raspberry, mocha, black olive and game. Large-scaled, saline and sappy, conveying a powerful impression of terroir with its notes of syrah-like game, mocha, truffle and pepper. Wonderfully tactile zinfandel, finishing extremely long, with tannins covered by peppery fruit. The Turley wine from this site has been consistently spectacular in recent years. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2006 |
Vineyard 101 Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2008): Good red-ruby. Sappy, resiny aromas of red fruits and illegal herbs. Sweet and pungent in the mouth, with fascinating juicy flavors of red berries, wild anise and fruity pepper. Finishes long and perfumed, with fine-grained tannins and considerable complexity. Very distinctive wine.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): One of the long-standing old-vine Zinfandel vineyards is Turley’s Zinfandel Vineyard 101 from Alexander Valley. Always showing considerable amounts of generous fruit, pepper, herbs, and cherry liqueur, this wine is a bit deeper in 2006 than it was in 2005; it is attractive, supple-textured, and a beauty.
WS 90 (7/2008): Appealing for its briary wild berry and underbrush aromas and jammy, zesty and concentrated blackberry, smoky sage and cracked pepper flavors. Drink now through 2012. |
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| Vice Versa |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Williams Selyem |
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Bright red. Vivid red berry, cherry and blood orange aromas are complemented by fresh rose and dusty minerals. Racy strawberry and raspberry flavors are impressively precise, with tangy orange zest and floral pastille qualities adding verve. Gentle tannins emerge with air and extend through the long, spicy finish.
BH 87 (10/2008): A high-toned and slightly candied crushed red berry fruit nose trimmed in a very subtle touch of wood spice merges into round, forward and supple light to barely medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity and while this is definitely on the fruit-driven side, there is reasonably good depth and persistence on the ever so slightly warm finish. Drink 2009+.
WS 82 (12/2008): This is tight and marked by earthy mineral and dried berry flavors of modest proportion and depth. Drink now. 1,302 cases made. |
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| Zepaltas |
2006 |
La Cruz Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (5/2008): Medium red, with a slight haze. Fresh red berries and pomegranate on the nose, with lavender and baking spices building with air. Zesty redcurrant and wild berry flavors are sharply focused and lithe, picking up sexy vanillin oak spice on the back end. Finishes juicy, brisk and minerally. Fans of full-throttle New World pinots are liable to be puzzled by this. Josh Raynolds. |
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