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 and silky while providing a framework for the toasty oak flavors. Bottle in Rutherford 14.8% $108 at Bottle Barn Quintessa
Hess Collection, Mount Veeder Napa Valley, Estate Grown, 19 Block Cuvee 2005 A chewy mountain wine with a long time horizon. Sourced from their Veeder Summit Vineyard at 2,000 feet, this is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Estate Grown, P&B in Napa 14.5% $34.49 at Bottle Barn Hess
Ridge, California, Monte Bello 1999 It seems we had a low level of TCA that shrouded the true view of this wine. Monte Bello has historically been a sure bet for me. The fruit for this wine is from the famous Monte Bello Vineyard, perched high above Cupertino in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The vineyard is planted to 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged mostly in American oak. P&B in Cupertino 13% $130 at Bottle Barn Ridge