Cabernet Sauvignon Wine

The 2008 Monte Bello is striking. It is a decidedly muscular Monte Bello endowed with layers of dark fruit. Tobacco, mint, asphalt and crushed rocks develop in the glass, adding tons of complexity and finesse. A long, saline finish rounds things out beautifully. In 2008 the cold growing season stretched into October and the wine definitely has the feel of a cool vintage. The spring frost and the second year of drought conditions lowered yields significantly. Yields were just 1.25 tons per acre on average, but some of the older vineyards came in at less than 1 ton per acre. The balance of fruit, tannin and structure is simply extraordinary, but the wine needs time, most likely lots of it. In 2008 the blend is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038.

The full-bodied, powerful, pure 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is another outstanding effort revealing notes of spring flowers, toasty oak, creme de cassis, licorice, and graphite. One would have to go back to the 1990, 1991, 2001, or 2002 to find a Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve this impressive. The 2007 should evolve for 20-25 years.

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five comes across as silky and seductive. Ripe red berries, flowers, mint and spices caress the palate in this understated, gracious wine. The 2009 impresses for its seamless texture and long, polished finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019.

"This lovely wine shows the soft tannins and herbaceousness you often find in Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. That dried herb taste accompanies blackberry and black currant fruit. It's classic Silver Oak, dry and elegant."

"Bright dark red. Complex, lively aromas of cherry, licorice, chocolate, tobacco leaf and spices. A juicy, spicy midweight with excellent tension and finesse to its youthfully imploded fruit, spice and chocolatey oak flavors. A very successful offering from Silver Oak, finishing with substantial dusty tannins, noteworthy length and a light touch. Aged for a full two years in 100% new American oak, but the oak element is not at all overbearing."

Showcasing the best of our two Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards that define our Napa Valley blend. Lovely dark red color. Ripe black cherry, earth and dried herb aromas. Medium to full body with dense fruit and oak flavors. Chewy, but balanced tannin. Young!

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Artemis is laced with sweet red berries, plums, flowers, mint and cloves. It is an attractive, medium-bodied wine to drink over the next decade plus, once the tannins begin to soften. Today the 2010 is a bit compact. The Artemis is made from both estate and purchased fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025.

Dark ruby/purple-hued with sweet black currant, spring flower, cedar and subtle earthy notes, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Fay Vineyard Estate is a classic Napa Cabernet with both elegance and complexity. It can be drunk now or cellared for 12-14 years.