Some heavyweights are elegant on their feet, others draw lots of money in their direction and some are quite big. This post explores famous names and rising stars across the price spectrum.
Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004 There’s ample black fruit and subtle, integrated oak to smell. In the mouth the tannin is ripe [...]

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Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005
Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs 14.5% $60 suggested retail in the United States Clarendon Hills
Geyser Peak Alexander Valley Reserve Alexandre Meritage [...]

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Justin Paso Robles Isosceles 2005
Lots of toasty oak and sour cherries with a thickness that lasts a long time. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.6% $47.99 at Bottle Barn Justin
Chateau Leoville Las Cases Saint-Julien 2004
Earth and oak intertwine in a complex mix of smells. There [...]

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This flight features 5 wines where Cabernet and others of the famous 5 make an appearance, in vintages ranging from 2005 back to 2002.
The Sinskey and ZD were the clear favorites from the recent vintages in this flight. Their overt fruit was delightful and they each showed a good balance of acidity, such that no [...]

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Off the beaten track we find quality Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux-style blends. This Chenin displays minerality and nerve while the Alluvium is quite rich in its styling.
Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2006
Sourced from vines just over 25 years old. P&B in Healdsburg, 14.2% $16.99 at Traverso’s Leo Steen
Beringer Knights Valley Alluvium [...]

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Elyse Napa Valley Syrah 2004
Else consistently goes for ripe flavors and richness in their red wines. They never fail to delight my clients and students. Cellared and bottled in Oakville 14.6% $33 at the Wine Emporium Elyse
Seven Hills Red Mountain Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Red Wine 2004
This wine has power with refined edges. It’s composed [...]

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Nelson Estate Sonoma Valley Bennett Valley Vineyard Malbec 2004
The nose is oak city and the palate is very supple with moderate acidity and a long finish. I think that many will find this wine agreeable and readily approachable. Aged in Fr oak for 18 mos. C&B in Healdsburg 13.6% $21.99 at Bottle Barn Nelson [...]

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