Don't Fear the Grape

Here are the recent wine reviews from the Napa Valley Show:

2005 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: USA > California > Napa Valley
Date Tasted: 1/11/2010
Color: Medium red
Nose: aromas of dust, spice, cherry
Taste: The taste is great with spice, dust, cherry, and minerals
Finish: A strong finish and concentrated wine
Evaluation: The tannins are mellowing on this wine but I believe it could age another 5 years. What a great value Cabernet. Best Cab under $20.00 today. (92 pts.)

2007 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: USA > California > Napa Valley
Date Tasted: 2/16/2010
Color: Dark color
Nose: Intense nose of spice, cherry, plum and oak
Taste: Dark fruits, vanilla, oak and spices
Finish: A medium finish and this is a balanced wine
Evaluation: No flaws evident. This is the best Caymus I have tasted in years. (93 pts.)

2005 Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Reserve

Region: USA > California > Napa Valley
Date Tasted: 2/16/2010
Color: Dark color
Nose: Nose shows off an array of aromas with cherry, smoke, oak, plum, spices and vanilla
Taste: Big wine with the palate showing off a mix of dark fruits and earth characters
Finish: Long and concentrated finish and big tannins
Evaluation: This is a cellar selection and again the best $50.00 Napa Cab. (94 pts.)

Featured Review:

2006 Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Region: USA > California > Napa Valley
Date Tasted: 2/12/2010
Color: Medium purple
Nose: Nose with cherries, oak, and vanilla
Taste: On the palate classic toasted oak, vanilla, cherry, plums, and spice. Tannins are well represented here and paired with steak it was perfect
Finish: Really nice finish and it adds a floral element
Evaluation: For $15.83 on a case purchase a non brainer to have as an everyday Cab. Only the Waterstone ’05 is better for this price point in the last year for me. (91 pts.)

A recent review worth seeking out:

2004 Larkmead Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: USA > California > Napa Valley
Date Tasted: 2/16/2010
Color: Dark purple
Nose: Impressive with cherry, spice, oak, plum and minerals
Taste: On the palate this wine shows off ripe fruit, oak, vanilla, spices and minerals
Finish: A medium concentrated finish with perfect balance
Evaluation: (94 pts.)