April 9, 2010, Newsletter Issue #132: Great Buys: Cabernet

Tip of the Week

Five great Cabernets to look for, according to Wine Spectator Magazine:
1. Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Special Selection, 1990 or 1998, cost is $75. Smooth, plush, rich and concentrated, with a long, full finish.
2. Flora Springs Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Reserve, 1991 or 1997, cost is $33. Stylish, packing in lots of ripe, rich flavors.
3. St. Clement Oroppas, Napa Valley, 1992 or 1995, cost is $25. A solid wine with a rich core of flavors. Finishes with a long, full, rich aftertaste.
4. Groth Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Reserve, 1990 or 1994, cost is $45. Distinctive and has a lot of personality. It finishes with a broad range of flavors and firm but supple tannins.
5. Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Beckstoffer Vineyard Reserve, 1991 or 1994, cost is $35. Young and a bit austere at first, but it is well focused and concentrated. Shows a measure of finesse and restraint.

Top five best value Cabernets:
1. Shenandoah Cabernet Sauvignon, Amador County, 1992 or 1988, cost is $10. Bright, juicy flavors and nice finish.
2. Arrowood Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County Domaine du Grand Archer, 1992 or 1987, cost is $9.50. Firm and intense, with a good dose of smoky, toasty oak up front.
3. Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 1992 or 1987, cost is $9.50. Ripe and fruity, with a pretty array of flavors. Finishes with mild tannins.
4. Lakespring Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 1990 or 1987, cost is $10. Firm and chewy, showing a solid beam of flavor shining through the thick veil of tannin.
5. E&J Gallo Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County Gallo Sonoma, 1990 or 1986, cost is $10. Here's a few more great Cabernets for $10 or less: - Monterey Peninsula Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey County, 1986 or 1984, cost is $10. A mature Cabernet, with supple herb and currant notes that pick up a chocolate edge on the finish.
6. Mount Konocti Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County Kelsey, 1992 or 1984, cost is $10. Young and still a bit grapey, not to mention firmly tannic. - Napa Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast Oak Barrel, 1991 or 1984, cost is $8. Supple and generous, with pretty flavors. Mildly tannic.

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