| |
Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Mon, Jan 26, 2026 04:02 PM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2007 and 2007
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2007 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (11/2010): Good full red. Redcurrant, mulberry, plum and caramel on the nose, complemented by sexy oak spices. Broad, lush and sweet, with an almost exotic high-toned quality to the perfumed flavors of red berries and spices. Sound acidity gives the wine shape and balance. Finishes impressively broad and horizontal, with very smooth, ripe tannins and lingering spicy perfume. Sophisticated, glossy wine. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Agharta |
2007 |
Black Label Syrah |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 90-92 (7/2013): In the 2007 Agharta Black Label is 90% Syrah, 5% Grenache and 5% Viognier/Roussanne. Mocha, plums, espresso, blackberries, tar and licorice all burst from the glass. A huge, massively constituted wine, the 2007 is loaded with personality and character. A rich, voluptuous finish rounds things out. Mahle planned to give the 2007 a whopping 65 months in oak, but the wine appears to be handling the oak well. Stylistically, this is a wine that reflects the vintage and its long elevage more than varietal character. I can't wait to see how the 2007 shows once it is in bottle. Today, it is impressive. (Drink between 2013-2022). Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2007 |
Alban Estate Grenache |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
WS 94 (11/2011): Dense, rich and meaty, this is full-throttle and rustic, with tiers of chewy blackberry, wild berry, loamy earth, ginger bread, underbrush, sage, cedar, tobacco and black licorice flavors. Ends with firm, chewy tannins. Drink now through 2022. 300 cases made.
WA 92 (8/2011): The 2007 Grenache opens with a sweet, beguiling nose that leads to exotic blackberry, coconut, plums, asphalt, tar and sweet spices. This is an especially deep, dense style of Grenache (there is 12% Syrah in the blend) yet all of the elements come together beautifully in the glass. Floral notes add lift and complexity on the finish, yet the Grenache remains big and quite powerful. Alban gave the Grenache 36 months in barrel. The Grenache is made from a variety of plots on the property, plus Syrah exclusively from the Reva parcel. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. |
|
|
2007 |
Pandora Proprietary Blend |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2011): The 2007 Pandora is an enormous wine endowed with awesome richness and power. Layers of dark fruit flesh out beautifully in this muscular, large-scaled wine. Dark plums, tar, sweet herbs and anise are some of the notes that wrap around the super-intense finish. The 2007 Pandora is 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah, both from the chalky soils of Seymour-s. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.
WS 89 (12/2011): Big, ripe and broad-shouldered, with intense, chewy plum, blackberry, blackberry jam, pepper, spice, cedar and tobacco leaf flavors, ending with dry, leafy, gravelly aftertaste. Grenache. Best from 2012 through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 70 cases made. |
|
|
2007 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$115 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (8/2011): The 2007 Syrah Reva is dazzling. It possesses striking inner perfume and beautifully delineated fruit. Blackberries, blueberries, freshly cut white flowers, licorice, tar and asphalt are some of the notes that take shape in the glass. Alban gave the 2007 Reva 44 months in untoasted French oak barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. |
|
|
2007 |
Seymour’s Vyd. Syrah |
$200 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 95-98 (11/2010): The most tightly wound of the ‘07s, the 2007 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's Vineyard is packed with dark fruits, spice, bloody meat and coffee aromas and flavors. Full bodied and with a powerful, compact core of fruit, awesome texture, and firm structure, this will most likely benefit from 3 to 5 years in the cellar and drink well for 2 decades.
WA 94 (8/2011): The 2007 Syrah Seymour's Vineyard is a huge, explosive wine loaded with masses of dark fruit, tar, smoke, licorice and espresso. It is an intense, super-ripe wine boasting considerable inner sweetness and perfume. It is also the most advanced of these 2007s and is likely to mature earlier than the other Syrahs. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2027+.
WS 94 (12/2012): Dense and chewy from the start, this is rustic, but pleasantly so. A cement mixer of crushed rock, extracted dark berry, espresso, road tar and melted black licorice. A striking, muscle-bound effort that's fun to wrestle with. Drink now through 2024. 100 cases made. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
4 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Era Proprietary Blend |
$200 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2009): The 2007 ERA Proprietary Wine exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as cedar, roasted herb, black currant, and camphor notes, Outstanding ripeness, purity, and depth, good richness, sweeter tannin than the 2006, and, like many 2007s, an underlying minerality and precision that make this vintage so special. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and enjoy it over the following 15 years. |
|
| Altamura |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
4 |
|
| |
WS 96 (11/2010): (Wine Spectator #5 wine of 2010) A profound effort, offering wonderful purity of flavor, with tiers of anise and black licorice, generous yet structured and elegant. This shows both power and finesse, ending with a wonderful burst of dark berry fruit. Best from 2012 through 2024. 3,000 cases made.
WA 95 (12/2010): Probably the best Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted from Altamura, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is aged 30 months in 70% new oak from the same high-elevation vineyard as the Sangiovese. Notes of espresso roast, graphite, black currants, sweet black cherries and earthy, loamy terroir are all present in this dense purple, full-bodied, exuberant, concentrated and expressive Cabernet Sauvignon. It can be drunk now or cellared for two decades. |
|
| Anthill |
2007 |
Demuth Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (5/2009): Vivid red. Captivating aromas of redcurrant, raspberry and blood orange are deepened by smoky herbs and dried flowers. Spicy and incisive on the palate, displaying fresh red berry and candied rose flavors, with gentle tannic grip on the back. The blood orange note echoes through the long, seductively spicy finish. Josh Raynolds.
BH 91 (10/2009): A ripe but restrained, cool and elegant nose of ripe cherry and red pinot fruit trimmed in delicate spice notes is followed by rich, delicious, round, supple and relatively supple middle weight flavors that possess a discreet mineral hint and excellent balance on the persistent, sappy and impressively complex finish. This isn't in the same league as the Abbey Harris but there is an understate grace to the mouth feel that is very appealing. (Drink starting 2012). |
|
| Araujo Estate |
2007 |
Eisele Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$495 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 95+ (6/2010): Good full ruby-red. Vibrant aromas of deep black raspberry, licorice and violet; quite expressive considering it was bottled about a month prior to my visit. Then dense, deep and very primary, with powerful yet suave flavors of blackberry, smoke, licorice, minerals, chocolate and earth spreading out to saturate the palate. An infant today but the wine's superb persistence and finishing perfume suggest it will rank among the best vintages of this bottling. If there is ever a classification of Napa Valley cabernet vineyards, the Eisele Vineyard would clearly be a grand cru. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 93 (12/2010): Since last year’s report I have had the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard on three separate occasions, including recently at the winery. It has definitely improved over last year’s report, but it has not lived up to my barrel tasting reviews. There is no explanation for this other than that the Araujos told me that the wine was bottled three months later than normal, which seems like a negligible reason to explain the differences. A beautiful wine by any standards, it is just not one of the great Eiseles. Its deep plum/ruby/purple hue is accompanied by notes of cassis, blueberries and acacia flowers. This medium-bodied effort seems surprisingly reserved and restrained, but it has put on a little weight, revealing sweet tannin as well as a velvety texture. This offering should drink nicely for 12-15 years.
WS 87 (12/2010): Though a very good wine, this is disappointing considering the producer's history. Trim and focused, with full-bodied flavors built around dried currant, herb, mineral and sage, but ending with a clipped finish of dried berry and herb. Tasted four times, with consistent notes. Drink now through 2017. 1,710 cases made. |
|
| Arietta |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (5/2010): (from Meteor Vineyard fruit) Good full, deep ruby. Sexy, high-pitched aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, licorice, flowers and smoky oak. At once juicy and dense, with a fine-grained texture and superb intensity to the dark fruit and floral flavors. There's nothing overripe or ponderous about this beauty, but its substantial tannins call for at least a few years of patience.
WA 92+ (12/2009): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is the real deal. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by notes of black currants, camphor, licorice, and spicy oak as well as Outstanding fruit purity, a medium to full-bodied texture, sweet but serious tannins, and a long finish. Accessible now, it should continue to provide plenty of pleasure over the next 15+ years.
WS 90 (5/2010): Chunky and chewy, dense, full-bodied and concentrated, this rustic red is marked by dried currant, blueberry, graphite and black licorice. A potent, burly wine, ending with a roasted coffee and chicory edge. Best from 2011 through 2018. 260 cases made. |
|
| Arterberry Maresh |
2007 |
Dundee Hills Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
5 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Juliet Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$165 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): More backward and structured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin. While neither as charming nor accessible as the Juliet, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter. |
|
|
2007 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): More backward and structured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve possesses copious black fruit, licorice, and forest floor notes as well as a boatload of tannin. While neither as charming nor accessible as the Juliet, it needs 3-4 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades thereafter. |
|
| Behrens & Hitchcock |
2007 |
Ode To Picasso Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2011): (50% cabernet sauvignon, 40% syrah and 10% petit verdot): Bright medium ruby. Wild berries and cherry on the nose, lifted by a floral topnote. At once sweet and juicy, with an intriguing saline quality adding interest to the flavors of dark berries, menthol and spices. Finishes with suave tannins and very good length. The syrah element here brings more flowers than meat.
WS 88 (12/2010): A rustic style that's intense and concentrated, with aromas of graphite, lead pencil, currant, mineral and cedar, adding a touch of game meat. Dry and savory, complex and layered, ending with firm, drying tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot. Best from 2011 through 2016. 250 cases made. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2007 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2009): The 2007 Clos de Betz is a blend of six grape varieties (56% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Mourvedre, and Petit Verdot) sourced from several Columbia Valley AVAs. It was raised in 70% new French oak for 12-14 months. Purple-colored, it reveals an alluring bouquet of spice box, violets, incense, black currant, and blackberry. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it displays an elegant personality along with considerable complexity. Expressive black fruits mingle with earth and spice notes, plenty of ripe, fine-grained tannin, and a lengthy finish. Give this rich, substantial effort 4-6 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2013 to 2027.
WS 92 (8/2010): Firm in texture, with a smoky character weaving through the tight blackberry and anise flavors, as coffee and dark chocolate notes inform the finish. Needs time to loosen up. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2012 through 2017. 830 cases made. |
|
|
2007 |
Pere de Famille Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 95 (10/2009): The 2007 Pere de Famille is made up of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 7% Petit Verdot sourced predominantly from the Red Mountain AVA with small contributions from Horse Heaven Hills and Yakima Valley. Purple/black in color it reveals a brooding aromatic array of wood smoke, scorched earth, pencil lead, violets, black currant and blackberry. Full-bodied on the palate, it is a bit more dense, opulent, and succulent than the Clos de Betz, admirably combining elegance and power. The pure finish lasts for over 60-seconds. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2027.
VM 95 (12/2009): Bright, deep ruby-red. Pungent cabernet aromas and flavors of red, black and blue fruits complicated by dried thyme and a floral topnote. The extremely intense yet silky palate offers a stunning wave of sweetness that will take several years to express itself fully. Most impressive today on the rising but wonderfully subtle finish, which is supported by serious tannic spine and goes on and on. These 2007 reds combine the structure of the 2005s with the added juiciness of the 2006s, says Betz, who appears to have made his finest set of wines to date.
WS 93 (8/2010): This red offers grippy tannins surrounding a glowing core of cherry, blackberry, mint and spice flavors that linger effortlessly as the finish spreads and opens. Shows extraordinary balance and refinement, but needs time to soften. Best from 2012 through 2019. 925 cases made. |
|
| J. Bookwalter |
2007 |
Chapter 3 Red Wine |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Bovet (Round Pond) |
2007 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caldwell |
2007 |
Rocket Science Red Wine |
$50 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Caymus |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (11/2009): Ripe and fleshy, with rich plum, wild berry, spice and savory herb notes that are complex, full-bodied and expansive on the palate, ending with firm tannins and a dash of espresso. Drink now through 2016. 37,800 cases made. |
|
|
2007 |
Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$269 |
2 |
|
| |
WS 96 (7/2010): This firm, ripe, muscular wine that's tight, deep, structured, intense and concentrated, serving up a mix of ripe currant, cassis, plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit that's clean, pure, complex and layered, with touches of anise, cedar and black licorice. Ends with chewy tannins. Best from 2011 through 2019. 10,000 cases made.
WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (100% Cabernet Sauvignon, now bottled earlier than in the past) exhibits an inky/blue/purple color in addition to sweet aromas of cassis, graphite, licorice, tobacco leaf and toasty oak. Bold, flamboyant and opulent, it should drink well for 15+ years. |
|
| Chalk Hill |
2007 |
Estate Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
8 |
|
| |
WA 95 (2/2010): Perhaps the finest Estate Red to date is the 2007. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by blackberry, cassis, cedar, and licorice characteristics, supple tannins, a more accessible personality, full body, and admirable purity, texture, and length. Drink this beauty over the next 2-3 decades.
WS 93 (9/2010): Bold, rich, graceful and full-bodied, offering a wonderful beam of ripe blackberry, currant and wild berry, with touches of spice and tobacco leaf. Full-bodied, firming on the finish, where the flavors gain depth and maintain their persistence. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Carmenère. Drink now through 2017. 5,000 cases made.
VM 91 (6/2010): (51% cabernet sauvignon, 24% malbec, 13% merlot, 11% petit verdot and 1% carmenere) Inky ruby. Highly aromatic nose combines cassis, cherry skin, cured tobacco and smoky oak. Supple on entry, offering sweet dark fruit flavors, then tightly wound in the middle, with a sappy quality to the dark berry liqueur and smoky herb flavors. Showing a lot of exotic character right now, much of which seems oak-derived, but there's a concentrated dark fruit as well. The smoky note gains power toward the back, which shows rather suave tannins and lingers with very good intensity. |
|
| Coho |
2007 |
Summit Vine Ranch Upper Block Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Crocker Starr |
2007 |
Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (4/2018): Bright medium ruby. Expressive nose conveys an alluring exotic quality to the aromas of cassis, cocoa powder and spices; very Cabernet Sauvignon! At once plush and youthfully medicinal, offering concentrated, opulent yet nicely vinous flavors of black cherry and dark chocolate lifted by a floral quality. This wonderfully balanced, sweet/savory wine may not have quite the class of the '06 but it's approachable now and should remain at this level for at least another ten years. The finish is very long, with chewy, horizontal tannins and lingering notes of chocolate and dried tarragon to go with its still-primary fruit flavors. Pam Starr described 2007 as "a more typically Napa Valley growing season with some heat spikes and a warm finish," adding that 2006 featured a cooler end to the vintage, while 2005 was more classic, 2004 had a hot finish and 2003 witnessed extreme heat spikes. (Drink between 2018-2031). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Dalla Valle |
2007 |
Maya Proprietary Blend |
$525 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2010): The 2007 Maya borders on perfection. Its dense plum/ruby/purple color is followed by abundant aromas of graphite, blueberry liqueur, hoisin sauce, smoked meats and red and black fruits. The extraordinary aromatics give way to a full-bodied, stunningly concentrated wine with everything in balance, fabulous density and richness, and a finish that lasts nearly 60 seconds. This is unquestionably one of the all-time great Mayas. In keeping with the exuberance and flamboyance of this vintage, it is approachable now, but should age effortlessly for 30+ years.
WS 97 (10/2010): A gorgeous wine that features rich, layered flavors of ripe plum, blackberry and currant that are deep and concentrated, yet elegant and stylish. Full-bodied, ending with delicate touches of mineral and spice. Drink now through 2019. 300 cases made.
VM 96 (6/2014): What a difference a year makes. The 2007 Maya is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty. Sexy and racy to the core, the 2007 captures the sensuality of the year in spades. Raspberry jam, white flowers, mint and spices are nicely shaped by silky tannins. Production was tiny, at around 270 cases, partly because 2007 is the vintage in which Dalla Valle introduced their second wine, Collina Dalla Valle. It's great to see Maya back on track after the less than stellar 2006.
VM 94 (5/2010): (includes 30% cabernet franc) Good full ruby-red; brighter than the Napa Valley bottling. Darker, impressively vibrant aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, violet and licorice. A step up in density and verve; quite young today but this really saturates and perfumes the palate. Spreads out and echoes impressively on the very long, subtle back end, where the tannins are currently hidden by bright fruit. I never would have guessed this wine was carrying 15% alcohol. Incidentally, the 2002 Maya was the last vintage from the old plantings; Dalla Valle skipped 2003 and 2004 and then restarted with 2005. |
|
| Dancing Hares |
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2010): The 2007 Dancing Hares (39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, aged 21 months in mostly new French oak) exhibits a sweet nose of white chocolate, forest floor, blueberry, bay leaf, and cassis. Terrific fruit intensity, an opulent, full-bodied mouthfeel, with the considerable exuberance that is so much a part of this vintage’s personality, and a long, lush finish make for a super wine to drink over the next 15 or more years.
WS 93 (8/2011): Very dense and concentrated, complex and chunky, with a range of dried currant, blackberry, loamy earth, tar, sage and mineral flavors. Full-bodied, yet clamping down on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2013 through 2022. 572 cases made. |
|
| Del Dotto |
2007 |
Caves Sangiovese |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Den Hoed |
2007 |
Andreas Wallula Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| DeSante |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Dominus |
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$319 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2010): The 2008 Dominus may eclipse the 2007, but it may just be a matter of style. The 2007 Dominus, the quintessential model of haute couture, is pure elegance exhibiting a seamless integration of wood, tannin, alcohol and acidity as well as a complex bouquet of cedar, new saddle leather, sweet kirsch, black currant and plum fruit and a notion of licorice. Both the 2007 and 2008 Dominus should drink well for 25-30 years.
VM 94 (6/2010): (features an unusually high 94% cabernet sauvignon) Good deep red-ruby. Ripe, rich aromas of black raspberry, coffee, menthol, licorice and smoked meat. Much more velvety and seamless than the Napanook, with more thoroughly integrated acidity and enticing inner-mouth floral lift. Not a particularly opulent style but very suave and complex, finishing with noteworthy rising length and very sweet, fine-grained tannins. This beauty has the balance for a long and graceful life in bottle.
WS 88 (11/2010): Loamy earth, dried currant and blackberry fruit is supple and layered, full-bodied and balanced, gaining in complexity and style on the finish. The best of three bottles tasted. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2012 through 2020. 5,000 cases made. |
|
| Donum |
2007 |
West Slope Pinot Noir |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| BH 88 (4/2010): Notably ripe aromas of red and blue pinot, violets and cassis notes give way to delicious, punchy and nicely detailed middle weight flavors that like the Estate, have noticeable oak influence though here it is a bit less noticeable. Still, those sensitive to the amount of wood will probably find this level to be too much though I stress that it is not enough to imbalance the finish. (Drink starting 2013) |
|
| Drinkward Peschon |
2007 |
Entre Deux Meres Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| JS 91 (2/2011): This smells very Bordeaux with cassis bush, fresh herbs, and hints of oak with some earthiness too. Full bodied, with round and velvety tannins and a fruity finish. A little hollow in the mid-palate and jammy but I like it. Pull the cork after 2012. Find the wine |
|
| Duckhorn |
2007 |
Patzimaro Vyd. Cabernet Franc |
$50 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 87 (5/2011): Bright red-ruby. Blueberry, black cherry, menthol and licorice on the nose. Offers good energy in the mouth, but there's a slight greenness to the medicinal flavors of cassis and mint. Tails off a bit on the back end. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2007 |
Merlot |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2010): A beautiful effort, Ehlers Estate’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon 1886 is an homage to their founder, Bernard Ehlers, who first planted vines here in 1886. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 3% Merlot, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with a broad bouquet of black raspberries, black currants, cherries, spice and even a floral component. Medium to full-bodied with abundant fruit, purity and texture, it should drink well for at least a decade. |
|
|
2007 |
One Twenty Over Eighty Cabernet Sauvignon |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Etude |
2007 |
Deer Camp Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2009): The richest effort is the 2007 Pinot Noir Deer Camp. Lots of minerality buttresses the wine’s full-bodied, black cherry, cranberry, and strawberry flavors. It possesses excellent texture, power, depth, and richness as well as moderate tannin. One to two years of cellaring is warranted, and it should evolve for at least a decade.
VM 88 (5/2010): Good medium red. Slightly liqueur-like aromas of cherry, chocolate and cola. Comes across as rather extractive in the mouth, with bitter cherry, licorice, sassafras and fruit skin flavors dominating. A fairly big, broad, almost chocolatey style of pinot that could use more lift despite the impression of slightly tart acidity. Stepehn Tanzer. |
|
| Far Niente |
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2009): The finest Cabernet Sauvignon I have ever tasted from Far Niente may be the 2007 Estate. Its dense purple color is accompanied by fragrant aromatics of creme de cassis, spice box, underbrush, and forest floor. Voluptuously-textured and full-bodied with superb purity and depth as well as a layered, complete finish, this terrific wine should be drinkable before the 2006, but age just as long 20-25+ years.
WS 88 (11/2010): Tightly wound, firm and tannic, this well-structured red has a core of herb- and bell pepper-laced cedar, currant and tobacco flavors that are taut and concentrated. Ends with chewy tannins. Best from 2011 through 2017. 12,790 cases made. |
|
| Farella Estate |
2007 |
Road Block Syrah Writing on Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90-93 (12/2009): The least expensive wine, the 2007 Syrah Roadblock could turn out to be a major sleeper of the vintage as well as a super buy. Sweet, jammy blackberry fruit, charcoal, camphor, melted asphalt, and a hint of truffle-like aromas jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored 2007. This layered, intense, richly fruity Syrah will be a hedonistic as well as intellectual turn-on for the next 5-6 years. |
|
|
2007 |
West Face Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon West Face boasts an opaque ruby/purple hue as well as an expressive bouquet of creme de cassis, sweet cherries, licorice, earth and spice. Full-bodied and opulent with exuberant purity and outstanding concentration and texture, this beauty should drink well for 10-15+ years. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is stilling performing beautifully in a quarter of a century. |
|
| Favia |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$150 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 94+ (5/2017): Saturated ruby. Knockout nose combines dark raspberry, black cherry, violet, currant, graphite, leather and tobacco, all in subtle doses. Darker, sweeter and more concentrated than the Cerro Sur but without that wine's give and personality; this still needs time to unwind. Distinctly dark in its fruit character and very reticent today but there's terrific underlying energy here. Finishes with a more obvious spine than the Cerro Sur but without dryness, the tannins reaching the front teeth. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2007 |
Claret |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 98 (12/2009): The extraordinary 2007 Claret, which is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine, displays inky notes of lead pencil shavings, pen ink, creme de cassis, blackberry, incense, and licorice. The wine is super-pure and super-rich, an extraordinarily full-bodied powerhouse of a Cabernet Sauvignon that should evolve for 15 or more years. Its sweetness of tannin and headiness already make it accessible.
VM 93 (5/2010): Saturated bright ruby. Subdued but pure nose offers brooding black fruit aromas joined by emerging notes of graphite, licorice and exotic oak. Dense, lush and superrich but not overly sweet. This mouthcoating wine is a bit youthfully aggressive but already quite sexy, even if it really merits at least a few years of cellaring. Finishes with powerful but sweet tannins and very good energy and grip. More vibrant than the 2006 version. Stephen Tanzer.
JS 93 (4/2011): A massive wine, but still very agile. Full bodied and chewy, with a wonderful spice and berry character. At the moment it is tight and is holding back, but you know it's going to be a big one. Let this chill out until 2012. 1,000 cases.
WS 92 (2/2010): Offers a wonderful sense of harmony, balance and finesse. Ripe and rich without being heavy, this is marked by complex currant, black cherry, anise, spice and sage, gaining depth and complexity on the long, lingering finish. Drink now through 2017. 1,000 cases made. |
|
| Fortunate Son |
2007 |
Naughty Wicked Witch of the West Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$200 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Frank Family |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2010): The dense dark plum/purple-tinged 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa is composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The fragrant bouquet of blueberries and flowers is followed by admirable complexity, sweet tannins, a medium to full-bodied, graceful mouthfeel and no hard edges. Drink this Outstanding Napa Cabernet over the next 15+ years.
VM 90 (6/2011): Bright purple. Sexy, oak-spiced aromas of cherry-vanilla, boysenberry and mocha, with a subtle floral quality emerging with air. Plush, juicy dark fruit flavors show very good depth, with vanilla and violet pastille nuances contributing sweetness. Tannins arrive late and are nicely folded into the fruit on the long, smoky finish. This will drink well soon.
WS 87 (5/2011): A rustic style that offers a mix of firm, spicy currant, blackberry, mineral and graphite. Full-bodied and complex, though shy on extra facets and depth. Drink now through 2018. 13,163 cases made. |
|
| Frog's Leap Winery |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
12 |
|
| |
|
| Futo |
2007 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$295 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
OV Proprietary Blend |
$139 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Gemstone |
2007 |
Facets Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Ghost Block |
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 89 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of roasted herbs, black currants, loamy soil and underbrush, a generous mouthfeel and the vintage’s tell-tale flamboyance and exuberance. Already drinkable, it should continue to evolve for 10-12 years.
WS 87 (11/2010): Up-front ripe plum, wild berry, mineral and dusty, cedary oak flavors have a trace of maturity. Full-bodied and complex, if somewhat simpler on the finish. Drink now through 2016. 2,500 cases made. |
|
| Grand Reve |
2007 |
Collaboration I Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
JD 94+ (6/2011): A Bordeaux blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot, and 11% Merlot, the 2007 Grand Reve Vintners Collaboration Series I is made by Ben Smith of Cadence Winery and is aged for 23 months in 70% new French oak and the rest in 1-year-old barrels. The wine boasts full-scaled, complex aromatics of sweet crème de cassis, spice box, sage, tobacco, and hints of mint on the nose. This is followed by a full bodied, beautifully put together wine that has a rounded, soft texture, perfectly ripe fruit, good acidity, and a blockbuster finish that’s loaded with fine grained, polished tannin. Given the fruit and texture, this is superb now, however, it should continue to evolve positively for 3-5 years, and have a solid 15-20 year drink window.
VM 91 (11/2011): Good full red. Strawberry, raspberry, mocha and red licorice on the slightly medicinal nose. Juicy and vibrant, with harmonious acidity giving energy and definition to the cabernet-dominated flavors of red berries, spices, mocha and fresh herbs. Plenty of flavor depth here without any heaviness. Finishes with suave tannins and excellent length. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2007 |
Collaboration IV Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2007 Collaboration IV was made by Carolyn Lakewold. It is made up of 100% Merlot from free run juice from 1975 and 1994 plantings and was aged in French and American oak. Expressive aromas of dried herbs, spices, violets, cassis, and black currant inform the nose of a savory, ripe, voluminous wine with impeccable balance. It has the structure to evolve for 2-3 years and will be at its best from 2012 to 2022. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2007 |
Miljenko’s Vyd. Petit Sirah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Harris Estate Vineyards |
2007 |
Casey’s Lakeview Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2009): The most fragrant of this trio is the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Lakeview Vineyard. Beautiful floral, blackberry, blueberry, wild mountain berry, and forest floor scents soar from the glass of this opaque purple-colored 2007. Velvety-textured and opulent with terrific fruit on the attack, mid-palate, and finish as well as admirable intensity and power, this seamless wine can be drunk now (because of its awesome purity of fruit), but should evolve beautifully for two decades or more. |
|
| Hirsch Vineyards |
2007 |
Block 6E Pinot Noir Torn Label |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Block 7 Pinot Noir |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 92 (6/2010): Light red. Deeply pitched cherry and licorice aromas are complicated by smoky herbal, floral and spice qualities. Much more backward than the M, with a darker fruit profile and stronger tannic grip. Very young still, with potent cherry skin and bitter chocolate flavors lifted by a late spicy note. The finish features tangy minerals and lingers with great tenacity. This is a baby.
BH 89 (10/2010): A ripe red berry liqueur and menthol infused nose leads to delicious, fresh and attractively vibrant middle weight flavors that culminate in a dusty, balanced and lingering finish. This is really quite pretty and could actually be enjoyed now or held for a few years first. Drink 2013+. |
|
| Paul Hobbs |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$110 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2009): The least expensive effort is the opaque purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa. A blockbuster, it offers up classic notes of charcoal, subtle smoke, black currants, black berries, lead pencil shavings, and earth. This deep, opulent, full-bodied Cabernet possesses terrific purity as well as length. It should drink well for 15+ years. |
|
| Hoopes Vineyard |
2007 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
5 |
|
| |
|
| Januik |
2007 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
6 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| James Johnson Vineyard |
2007 |
Bisou Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2011): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Bisou is a gorgeous wine laced with dark red fruit, flowers, spices and licorice, all of which come together in an open, radiant style that is very appealing. This is a decidedly mid-weight, gracious 2007 that stands out for its classiness and understated personality. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. |
|
| Jones Family Vineyard |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94+ (12/2009): A gorgeous offering, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from a hillside vineyard located between St. Helena and Calistoga. Its dense blue/purple color is accompanied by complex aromatics of white flowers, creme de cassis, blueberry pie, charcoal, and a hint of subtle oak. With full-bodied power, stunning purity, concentration, and texture, an undeniable minerality, and a 45-second finish filled with fruit and tannin, this may be the finest wine yet produced by Jones Family Vineyards. It should evolve for 20-25 years. |
|
| Juslyn |
2007 |
Perry’s Blend Proprietary Blend (1.5 L) |
$110 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Justin |
2007 |
Isosceles Proprietary Blend |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (11/2010): (88% cabernet sauvignon, 8% cabernet franc and 4% merlot) Inky ruby. Lively aromas of red and dark berry preserves, with subtle floral and oak spice notes adding complexity. Juicy, gently sweet cherry and blackberry flavors show very good depth, picking up mocha and anise qualities with air. Late-arriving tannins are quickly absorbed by the densely packed, sweet fruit. This is a youngster. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Kamen Estate |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (2/2010): The 1,800-case cuvee of 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma is virtually identical, with perhaps less oak and structure. Both of these Cabernets beg for 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for two decades. |
|
| Kobalt |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (2/2010): Slightly softer and more velvety-textured, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon will be drinkable slightly sooner than the Special K, but the two wines are almost identical in quality as well as character. It possesses outstanding fruit, full-bodied power, and well-integrated wood, acidity, and tannin. |
|
| Krupp Brothers Estates |
2007 |
Veraison Stagecoach Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lail Vineyards |
2007 |
Mole Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$350 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 94+ (12/2009): Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (nearly 4,000 cases produced) is a great buy for a world-class Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. It exhibits a dense purple color, notes of charcoal, creme de cassis, graphite, and forest floor, and a ripe, opulently fruity, rich, full-bodied style. Its endearing silkiness, multi-dimensions, and mature, sweet tannins suggest it has two decades of life ahead of it.
VM 91+ (6/2010): (includes 3% merlot and 1% cabernet franc) Good full ruby. Pungent aromas of raspberry, currant, graphite, dried herbs, violet and loam, along with a whiff of dark tobacco; smells like a Graves. Less giving on the palate than the nose suggests, with a firm edge of acidity keeping the flavors under wraps today. Finishes with youthfully strict tannins. Winemaker Smith notes that he has not added either water or acid to any of the Larkmead reds since the 2004 vintage. |
|
| Karl Lawrence Cellars |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
6 |
|
| |
|
| Meander Cellars |
2007 |
Morisoli Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard exhibits a more opaque ruby/purple color as well as a spicy, fruity nose, medium body and a short finish that does not live up to the aromatics. Smart consumers will put their money on the Napa Cabernets rather than the Morisoli Vineyard offerings. |
|
| Meteor Vineyard |
2007 |
Perseid Cabernet Sauvignon |
$119 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Perseid (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits abundant aromas of crushed rock, charcoal, creme de cassis and subtle smoke in a ripe, full-bodied, exuberant style with terrific intensity, texture and concentration. There is not a hard edge to be found in this pure, dramatic Cabernet. It should drink well for 15 or more years.
VM 90+ (5/2011): (a blend of Clone 7, Clone 4 and Clone 337, the last of which which general manager Jason Alexander says gives the "cabernet franc high notes"): Medium red-ruby. Sexy aromas of redcurrant and violet, with an ephemeral minerality that carries through onto the palate. Juicy and spicy in the mouth, with lively acidity framing the dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors. Not a particularly fleshy style but quite penetrating. |
|
| Mirror |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2010): A blend of St. Helena and Oakville fruit aged 20 months in 50% new French oak casks, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon displays sweet black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of herbs, underbrush and vanilla. Its opulence, full-bodied richness, endearing, layered texture and impressive purity as well as finish suggest this showy 2007 should keep for 10-15+ years. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2007 |
Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Wrinkled Label |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Nickel and Nickel |
2007 |
State Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 90+ (12/2010): The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon State Ranch is from Yountville, a sector that is becoming populated with such high quality wineries as Cliff Lede and Kapcsandy. This deep ruby/purple effort is not so much austere as it is more narrowly constructed than its siblings. There is a lot going on in this outstanding Cabernet, but it is the least expressive of all these Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignons. It reveals some minerality along with white chocolate and black currant characteristics, but the structure dominates at present. Forget this wine for 3-4 years and drink it over the following 20 years. |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2007 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$139 |
7 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (12/2009): The stunning 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot) is the finest Cabernet this estate has yet produced from their Howell Mountain holdings. A dense purple color to the rim as well as an exquisite bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, camphor, creme de cassis, smoke, and crushed rocks are followed by sweet fruit, gorgeous density, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and a layered, multidimensional mid-palate and length. With no hard edges, this flawless wine should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
|
2007 |
Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2009): A staggering wine of exceptional concentration, flavor dimension, and texture, the opaque blue/purple-tinged 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder boasts copious notes of smoked meats, subtle barbecue smoke, creme de cassis, charcoal, licorice, and background mountain flora. With terrific intensity as well as full-bodied power, this is a brilliant Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon to drink over the next 25-30 years.
VM 90-92 (6/2009): Deep ruby. Youthfully tight nose of blueberry, crushed stone and new leather, along with a whiff of exotic flowers. The strong leathery character currently suppresses the intense underlying flavors of crushed blueberry and lead pencil. This very backward, youthfully medicinal wine finishes with a powerful spine of rather tough tannins and will require long aging. Today I prefer the balance of the Howell Mountain examples, but this may be going through an awkward stage today. |
|
| Ovid |
2007 |
Experiment A2.7 |
$115 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2012): Cabernet Franc takes center stage in the 2007 Experiment A2.7, a wine that impresses for its fabulous balance and overall harmony. Mocha, red cherries, spice box and crushed flowers are wrap around the palate in this supple, mid-weight offering. A rich, radiant finish rounds things out in style. The 2007 is 48.02% Cabernet Franc, 45.37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.23% Merlot and 0.38% Petit Verdot, all done in concrete. Antonio Galloni. |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2007 |
Jayson Pinot Noir |
$30 |
6 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (3/2010): Pleasantly fresh earth scents join supple ripe plum and black cherry fruit in this medium- to full-bodied wine that wins points for delicacy and finesse. Drink now through 2014. 2,449 cases made. |
|
| Quintessa |
2007 |
Proprietary Blend |
$175 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): The 2007 looks to be one of Quintessa's stronger efforts in a number of years. Dark ruby/purple, with sweet black currant, cherry, and loamy soil notes intermixed with some subtle spice box and background oak, this wine is rich and medium to full-bodied, with round, silky tannins, and an attractive set of aromatics. Very accessible and drinkable now, it should age nicely for 15 or more years. |
|
| Ramey |
2007 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$1,000 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2009): From Diamond Mountain, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum possesses a dense purple color, full-bodied power, and lots of scorched earth and loamy soil notes intermixed with smoked herbs, creme de cassis, and blackberries. This rich, but backward Cabernet Sauvignon needs 4-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 25+.
WS 95 (8/2010): A bold, rich, expansive style, offering tiers of opulent blackberry and wild berry flavors, with touches of black and red licorice and a notable rustic hot brick wall earthiness, all of it dense, focused, complex and concentrated. Ends with a long, persistent finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,700 cases made.
VM 92 (4/2018): A rush of black cherry, smoke, torrefaction, new leather and licorice make a strong opening statement in the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum. Rich, powerful and heavily extracted, the 2007 shows the style that was in vogue a decade ago, and yet also retains tremendous depth. It will drink well for another decade or more. The Annum is the most overtly ripe wine in this range. At times, the alcohol peeks through. Otherwise, the 2007 is nicely rendered. Fruit sources are J. Davies and Larkmead. Antonio Galloni. |
|
|
2007 |
Pedregal Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon (1.5 L) |
$325 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 97+ (12/2009): Ramey’s sensational 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Pedregal is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Petit Verdot. Notions of blueberry pie, charcoal, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and smoky oak are followed by a wine with sizeable tannins as well as structure. The extravagant fruit, richness, and intensity result in a remarkable, young Cabernet Sauvignon from one of Napa-s finest areas, the Oakville Corridor.
VM 93-95 (6/2009): Deep ruby-red. Hypnotic bouquet of cherry-cola, cassis, incense, dried rose and smoky minerals. Structured red and dark fruit flavors are improbably graceful and finely etched, picking up brown spice and floral pastille qualities with air. The floral and mineral notes carry through the strikingly pure, very long finish. |
|
| J. Rochioli Vineyards |
2007 |
Little Hill Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 94 (6/2009): Vivid red. Sweet aromas of blackberry, Asian spices and minerals, with a gentle smoky undertone. Red and dark berry flavors are strikingly pure and precise, with an exotic candied rose quality adding complexity. The finish repeats the mineral and floral notes and is pretty much endless. Wow! This wine is made from a West Block selection and includes some suitcase vines that reportedly came from Richebourg.
WA 92-94 (2/2010): This is another beautiful portfolio of wines from Tom Rochioli. Since they all possess a similar style, one can quibble over just how much difference there is between all the different cuvees of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. However, there are subtle differences that I will do my best to articulate. With respect to his Pinot Noirs, Rochioli completely destems his grapes, does a cold soak for 4-5 days, and keeps the wines in 100% Francois Freres French cooperage for 14-16 months or less. The wines are racked directly from barrel to tank, and are bottled without fining or filtration.
BH 89 (10/2010): Discreet wood hints set off notably ripe floral notes along with a melange of different pinot fruit expressions that precede the round yet nicely detailed middle weight flavors that possess an attractive mouth feel but deliver neither the same depth nor length as the best in the range. In sum, this is perfectly good but not really distinguished. Drink 2014+. |
|
| Round Pond |
2007 |
Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$35 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Rubicon |
2007 |
Estate Rubicon Proprietary blend (375 ML) |
$39 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Rudd |
2007 |
Oakville Estate Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 98+ (12/2009): The flagship wine, the 2007 Proprietary Red from Oakville is a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. A prodigious effort, it boasts a dense purple color along with gorgeously complex aromatics reminiscent of a hypothetical blend of a first-growth Pauillac and a top Graves. Notes of burning embers, forest floor, creme de cassis, blackberries, espresso, and a hint of chocolate soar from the glass of this full-bodied, well-delineated, structured wine with tremendous depth and texture. This awesome red is a future legend in the making. Give it 4-5 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 30-35 years.
VM 92-95 (6/2009): (69% cabernet sauvignon, 14% cabernet franc, 8% merlot, 8% malbec and 1% petit verdot) Bright, saturated ruby. Aromas of crushed black fruits, menthol, licorice, violet, espresso and cocoa powder. At once primary and suave, with more inner-mouth perfume and aromatic lift than past vintages of this wine. The dark raspberry and violet flavors offer terrific intensity and aromatic lift. The tannin management here is far more sophisticated than just a few years ago here, when the tannins had a tendency toward hardness. But then this wine has only been racked twice so far. Sullivan noted that 2007 was the first year in which David Abreu controlled the vineyard work; Michel Rolland will finalize the blend, and the bottling will not occur until at least August. Outstanding potential here.
WS 94 (10/2012): This is pure, deep, rich and concentrated, with firm, spicy currant and creamy mocha-laced oak. Firms nicely on the finish, where the tannins are grainy and add traction. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2014 through 2028. 1,000 cases made. |
|
| Rudius |
2007 |
Emerald Pool Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 90+ (5/2010): Bright ruby-red. Musky black raspberry, chocolate, mocha and truffle on the nose. Sweet on entry, then a bit youthfully clenched in the middle, with a slightly edgy quality to the flavors of black raspberry, pepper, herbs and spices. Not as pliant or creamy at this early stage as the 2006 was a year ago. This structured, firmly tannic wine finishes with a light saline nuance. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Mark Ryan |
2007 |
Dead Horse Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2012): Bitter-edged black currant and seedy blackberry invigoratingly if granularly inform the Mark Ryan 2007 Dead Horse, with accents of smoky black tea, crushed stone, and pencil lead adding intrigue to an admirably gripping finish. What would significantly benefit this palpably dense Cabernet are primary juiciness, brightness, and dynamic interplay such as were achieved in its 2009 counterpart. I would recommend planning on enjoying it over the next 6-8 years. Given the generally high quality of vintage 2007, it’s tempting – and, I suspect, fair – to see the strength of the 2009 Dead Horse when compared with this recent predecessor as proof of a new quality standard being set at Mark Ryan since the arrival of Mike MacMorran. |
|
|
2007 |
Lonely Heart Cabernet Sauvignon |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Water Witch Klipsun Vyd. Red Wine |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2010): The 2007 Water Witch Red Blend is composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot sourced from the Klipsun Vineyard and aged in 92% new oak. Medium purple-colored, it presents an expressive nose of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, violets, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate it displays some elegance despite its size. It has excellent volume, intense fruit, enough tannin to evolve for 2-3 years, and a lengthy finish. Drink this stellar effort from 2013 to 2027. |
|
| Sbragia Family |
2007 |
Wall Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2010): One of my favorite offerings is the brilliant 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Vineyard. From an 1,800 foot elevation vineyard, it is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. Black raspberry, blueberry, licorice, incense and graphite characteristics are accompanied by an opaque purple color, gorgeous complexity and richness and hints of toasty oak as well as flowers. The wine is generous, savory and expansive, but the wealth of extravagant fruit nearly hides abundant tannin in the finish. This brilliant Cabernet is actually underpriced for its quality. Drink it over the next two decades. |
|
| Sherwin Family |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
| WS 92 (9/2011): A stylish effort, ripe, complex, supple and layered, with a mix of black cherry, wild berry, road tar, graphite and cedar notes. Full-bodied, turning supple and elegant on the finish, where the tannins are ripe and fleshy. Drink now through 2021. 1,182 cases made. |
|
| Sinatra Family Estates |
2007 |
Come Fly with Me Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (5/2010): Includes bits of cabernet franc and petit verdot) Good medium ruby-red. Varietally expressive aromas of currant, musky espresso, tobacco leaf and smoky oak. Sweet, lush and deep, with a silky texture to the flavors of blueberry liqueur, redcurrant, mocha and spicecake. Finishes with ripe, fine-grained tannins and very good length. This rich, serious wine has plenty of structure for mid-term aging. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2007 |
Dangerous Birds (Bomber Label) Syrah |
$675 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 98 (8/2011): The 2007 Syrah Dangerous Birds, from Eleven Confessions, includes 4.5% Grenache and 2.5% Viognier, all fully destemmed. It is a seamless, show stopper of the highest level. The fruit is decidedly opulent in the 2007, while the high percentage of new oak barrels (84%) contributes to the wine’s shape and volume. An impeccable, eternal finish rounds things out in style. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.
VM 95 (12/2010): (includes 4.5% grenache and 2.5% viognier; 15.8% alcohol) Dark purple. Powerful blackberry and cassis fruit aromas are complicated by licorice, woodsmoke and exotic Asian spices. Juicy, concentrated and sharply focused, with impressive intensity to its pure dark berry and spice flavors. This very youthful, densely packed wine manages to be both broad and light on its feet, with Outstanding clarity and appealing spiciness. Finishes with lovely lingering florality and mineral-driven persistence. |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2007 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$110 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (12/2009): With sweeter black currant and berry fruit, and hints of white chocolate and espresso, as well as wood spice, the 2007 Elivette (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot) should age for 10-15 years. It is more linear, less textured, and more austere, but it has more depth and volume than the 2006. |
|
| Sterling Vineyards |
2007 |
Diamond Mountain Ranch Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2007 |
Napa Valley Zinfandel Heavily Bin-Soiled Label |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Stewart |
2007 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (8/2018): Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon exudes pronounced crème de cassis, baked blackberries and stewed plums notes with hints of cigar box, chargrilled meats, bay leaves and truffles. Full-bodied and packed with black fruit preserves and savory/meaty layers, it has a firm frame of chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with an herbal lift. |
|
|
2007 |
Nomad Cabernet Sauvignon Nicked Label |
$99 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Orin Swift |
2007 |
Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93+ (12/2009): The brilliant 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mercury Head exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as classic notes of lead pencil, creme de cassis, black cherries, spice box, and cedar. Full-bodied, concentrated, deep, and layered, this impressive, but youthful, primary Cabernet needs 2-5 years of aging, and it should last for two decades. |
|
|
2007 |
The Prisoner Proprietary Blend |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Tensley Wines |
2007 |
Colson Canyon Vyd. Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 95 (8/2009): The brilliant 2007 Syrah Colson Canyon is Tensley's biggest production single vineyard Syrah. Like the other wines, it is aged in 80% neutral and 20% new French oak barrels, and is bottled with no fining or filtration. This blockbuster effort is as black as a moonless night. It offers up stunning notes of graphite, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, licorice, barbecue smoke, and a deep meaty character. The layered palate feel as well as the enormous richness and length result in one of the finest Syrahs being produced in California's Central Coast. It should evolve over the next 10-15 years.
JD 94 (11/2009): The largest scaled and most hedonistic of the Tensley wines I was able to taste, the 2007 Tensley Syrah Colson Canyon Vineyard is packed with freshly crushed berries, jam, earth, subtle meat and spice aromatics. Big, sweet and intense, the wine is full bodied on the palate with a silky, light texture and a long, decadent finish where gobs of fine grained tannins come out. The sweetness to the fruit and the upfront, lush texture will make this hard to resist young.
WS 94 (2/2009): (Wine Spectator #22 wine of 2009) Firm and musclebound, with rich, chewy tannins. Full-bodied, this is the most complex and potent of the 2007 Tensleys, offering layers of earthy wild berry, sage, mineral, dried currant and floral scents. Drink now through 2016. 1,259 cases made. |
|
| Torii Mor |
2007 |
Olson Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (6/2016): The 2007 Pinot Noir Olson Estate Vineyard was a huge crop that was apparently not quite as ripe as they wanted it to be. It has a more rustic bouquet than the 2008, lighter and earthier than subsequent vintages, but still with freshness. The palate is medium-bodied with tart red cherry fruit, not as much depth as the 2008 with a piquant finish. Not bad, though I would drink this over the next 2-3 years. |
|
| Turley Wine Cellars |
2007 |
Dragon Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2009): Good medium ruby. Urgent aromas of crushed berries and licorice. Dense, pliant and sweet, with surprising lift to the lush berry flavors. This rich, concentrated, chocolatey wine really spreads out to saturate the palate. The long finish features floral and spicy nuances. These vines are situated downslope from Rattlesnake and are planted on richer soil.
WA 91-93 (12/2008): The 2007 Zinfandel Dragon Vineyard possesses good ripeness, full-bodied power, and sweet, pure black cherry and currant aromas intermixed with spring flowers, incense, and crushed rocks. This is another high elevation effort with plenty of power, generosity, and was obviously picked at the perfect moment for phenolic maturity. |
|
| Verite |
2007 |
Le Desir Proprietary Blend |
$300 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 100 (6/2011): A profound blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 44% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Malbec, with 56% of the fruit from Chalk Hill, 26% from the Alexander Valley Mountain Estate, 14% from Knight’s Valley and 4% from Bennett Valley, the 2007 is a wine of unbelievable intensity. It boasts a deep blue/purple color as well as notes of acacia flowers, graphite, licorice, blackberries, blueberries and a hint of burning embers/charcoal, superb intensity and purity, and abundant tannin in the finish. This massive wine needs 5-6 more years of bottle age, and is meant for 35-40 years of cellaring. |
|
| Vine Cliff |
2007 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| WS 88 (7/2011): A solid, if straightforward, effort, showing mature currant, herb, dried berry, cedar and sage flavors. Smooth-textured and full-bodied, ending with a minerally edge to the tannins. Drink now through 2018. 1,200 cases made. |
|
|
2007 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 89 (8/2018): Medium garnet in color, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Estate displays notes of warm Bing cherries, red and black currant jelly, crushed plums and bouquet garni with touches of eucalyptus and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a generous amount of juicy black and red berry flavors, framed with soft tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing on an earthy note. |
|
| Vineyard 29 |
2007 |
Cru Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2009): One of Napa’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the $50 range is Vineyard 29's 2007 Cru. Produced by owners Chuck and Ann McMinn and their consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka, there are 5,000 cases of this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The grapes are all purchased, and the wine is made at their state-of-the-art facility just off Highway 29 north of St. Helena. This beautiful wine exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as pure black currant fruit aromas intermixed with notions of licorice, charcoal, subtle smoke, and high class unsmoked cigar tobacco. It is an elegant, stunningly concentrated, seductive, lush wine that should age nicely for a decade or more. |
|
| Vineyard 7 & 8 |
2007 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (8/2018): Deep garnet colored, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate reveals a wonderfully expressive nose of dried mulberries, blackberry pie, plum preserves and cigar box with touches of dried lavender, sauteed herbs and menthol plus a waft of charcuterie. Full-bodied, firm and with a beautifully ripe, grainy texture, the palate is heading into tertiary territory with plenty of spice box and earth notes, finishing long and savory. |
|
|