2014 Von Strasser Cabernet Sauvignon Agira Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Diamond Mountain, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

Great showing for this wine.  Young, but tasty.  Inky purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, graphite, and spice.  Full bodied.  On the palate, this is a big wine.  It is jammy and full of fruit, so make sure you share it with people who like that style.  I did, and they loved it.  Lots of cassis, some blueberries with some spice and graphite as well.  This is still primary with a lovely texture.  Delicious.  Long finish.  This probably drinks better on its own right now but would work with a grilled steak.  Drink over the next ten years or so.  

2018 Penfolds Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 704, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

This is part of the new lineup of Penfold's wines that are from other than Australia.  This one is from Napa.  I believe it is supposed to be a Napa version of their Bin 407 from Australia.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with cassis and an interesting scent that I have notice rarely in other wines that can best be described as the fat off a fresh corned beef sandwich at a Jewish delicatessen.  There is also a bit of baking spices.  Medium to full bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this is ripe fruit with a lot of cassis.  Some underlying char/smoke.  Nice finish

2017 Henry's Drive Shiraz/Cabernet, Australia, McLaren Vale, Padthaway, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This is a blend of 72% Shiraz, and 28% Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia.  Purple in color with some ruby swirls, opaque and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, black pepper, and slight cedar.  Full bodied.  On the palate, there is a lot of black raspberry and black cherry fruit.  Some alcohol is noticeable.  It is very tasty but somewhat one dimensional.  A throw-back to the Aussie Shiraz of twenty years ago.  Good value if you like this style.  

2016 Mending Wall Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is the basic Cab from Mending Wall whose winemaker is Thomas RIvers Brown.  A delicious Cab that is drinking very well right now.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with cassis, gravel and spice.  Full bodied.  Medium tannins.  On the palate, solid cassis fruit over a gravelly base.  This should continue to drink well for the next decade or so.  A nice match with grilled or roasted meats or veggies.  

2018 Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$50.00USD

This is their Napa (not from a single vineyard) wine.  Again, 2018 is proving to be a great vintage and this wine is no exception.  This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that sees 70% French oak and 30% American oak barrels.  It has a deep ruby color, opaque and bright.  The nose has cassis, dark chocolate and cedar.  Full bodied.  On the palate, the cassis comes thru but the coffee is more espresso.  Some underlying char.  There is a lot of vibrancy and energy here.  Firm tannins.  Long finish.  This needs about three to five more years until maturity although it is drinking well right now.  Ple

2016 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, USA, California, Napa, Oakville, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
98
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$275.00USD

My wife's favorite winery!  Hard to argue with her on that.  This was stunning and still young.  Purple in color, opaque and shimmering bright.  The nose is great with cassis, graphite, cedar, slight coffee grounds and slight floral notes.  Full bodied with firm tannins.  Deep and complex; it unwinds in the glass.  Delicious.  Wonderful texture.  Cassis with char and slight oak notes.  Long finish.  Just fantastic but another few years of ageing will be even better.  This should drink well for another fifteen to twenty years.  

2016 Maybach Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Materium, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
97
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$275.00USD

One of my favorite wines anywhere.  I suppose at some time, this will be out of my price range, but for now, I always buy.  This seems to be a bit tighter than the 2015 at a similar stage but will no doubt someday flirt with a 100 point score.  Purple in color, opaque and shimmering bright.  The nose, after an hour or so of air, show cassis, coffee grounds, slight chocolate and spice.  Full bodied.  What a wonderful, almost seamless texture.  On the palate, cassis, blueberries, dark chocolate with underlying roasted herbs.  Maybe some floral qualities too.  Long finish.  This is deep and co

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