California
California is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, known for producing exceptional wines that reflect the unique character of the region.
One of the most famous vineyards in California is the Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi Winery, which produces a range of high-quality red and white wines, including the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, the Fumé Blanc Reserve, and the Chardonnay Reserve. The estate is committed to sustainable farming practices and is known for its focus on traditional winemaking techniques.
In California, there is also a strong focus on producing organic and biodynamic wines, with vineyards such as the Frog's Leap Winery and the Benziger Family Winery using these practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Overall, California is a region known for producing exceptional wines, with famous vineyards such as Harlan Estate, Dominus, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Robert Mondavi and many others. With a focus on sustainable and organic farming practices, and a commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, wines from California are gaining increasing recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts worldwide.
California
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James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.Inc. TAX€295.39 -
James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.Inc. TAX€533.18 -
James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.Inc. TAX€770.39 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. TAX€310.42 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.Inc. TAX€849.34 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold.Inc. TAX€778.79 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.Inc. TAX€310.07 -
(1x75cl) 2017James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.Inc. TAX€199.15 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.Inc. TAX€740.14 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.Inc. TAX€308.86 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.Inc. TAX€848.39 -
(12x37.5cl) 2019James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. TAX€962.39 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. TAX€281.59 -
(1x300cl) 2019James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. TAX€776.17 -
(1x600cl) 2019James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. TAX€1,782.73 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.Inc. TAX€934.79 -
(12x75cl) 2014Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a benchmark wine embodying the majestic power and nuanced finesse that only Napa Valley's iconic To Kalon Vineyard can provide. Winemaker Cliff Lede, known for his rock-and-roll approach, harnesses key blocks of this historic vineyard, masterfully crafting this vintage with a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties.
On the palate, this wine boasts opulent, full-bore purple fruit, seductively woven with black cherry, dark chocolate and sweet baking spice notes, underpinned by incredibly plush, silky tannins. After meticulous aging in 75% new French oak for a period of 21 months, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 showcases immense aging potential.
Adorned with critical acclaim from revered wine publications, this limited-edition masterpiece encapsulates a monumental expression of Napa Valley terroir, worthy of any discerning collector's cellar.
Inc. TAX€4,103.82 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
As good as it gets, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon checks in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 21 months in new French oak. Possessing an incredible bouquet of cassis, liquid violets, Asian spices, and charred meats, it hits the palate with an elegant, seamless, ultra-fine texture that builds incrementally, with huge tannins that are only noticeable 30 seconds or more after the finish. This heavenly Napa Cabernet has no hard edges, incredible richness, no weight, and will evolve gracefully for two to three decades.Inc. TAX€4,103.82 -
(12x75cl) 2018
In the prestige vineyards of Napa Valley, resides a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This resplendent Californian red wine is a creation of Cliff Lede, a Canadian aficionado knowledgeable in both vine and verse. Cultivated in the historic To Kalon terroir, the wine possesses layers of complex flavours reflecting the gravelly alluvial fan soils of Oakville Appellation.
Narrating a marvellous maturation story, the grapes were hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before a gentle gravity-flow process led them to oak fermentation tanks. After carefully ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 reveals a bouquet of blackberries and crème de cassis, underscored by nuances of cigar box and graphite. Bright acidity on the palate yields an incredibly balanced drink with a sublime finish.
Crown your cellar with this illustrious Californian Cabernet, a testament to Cliff Lede's dedication to supreme viticulture and expert winemaking.
Inc. TAX€3,523.32 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry spent 21 months in French oak prior to bottling. It too is inky purple/blue colored and offers heavenly notes of graphite, liquid rocks, crushed violets, blueberries, charcoal and cassis. Fabulously concentrated, opulent, layered, and ripe, with serious amounts of tannin that come out with time in the glass, this monumental beauty should only be purchased by patient consumers as it's going to need 7-8 years or more of cellaring.Inc. TAX€1,612.54 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character.Inc. TAX€2,613.12 -
(6x75cl) 2015Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Another tour de force is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook, which checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It's the most open and approachable of the wines in the lineup, yet still needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years. Blackberries, spice-box, chocolate, currants and graphite notes all develop in the glass and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a great finish. While a big, rich wine, it shows the purity and finesse that's the hallmark of this vintage.Inc. TAX€1,480.54 -
Wine Advocate (93)
One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years.Inc. TAX€1,118.69 -
Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.
Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.
Inc. TAX€644.14 -
(12x75cl) 2013Vinous (95+)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking. Powerful and dense in the glass, with utterly mesmerizing balance, the 2013 hits all the right spots. Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense form a tapestry of aromas and flavors that simply dazzles. The 2013 needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it is a real head-turner. The combination of intense tannin and opulent fruit is classic 2013. In 2013, Clos du Val made 33,800 cases (405,600 bottles) of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a significant amount of wine. Clos du Val bottled the 2013 over a two week period. The passage of time has resulted in some amount of bottle variation, which readers should be aware of. For the money, the 2013 is still a terrific value in Napa Valley Cabernet, but the bottom line is that there is also a noticeable amount of bottle variation.Editor's Note: This review is for the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and not one of the other Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings Clos du Val has made over the years. Last updated: November 5. 2015.Inc. TAX€1,365.07 -
(6x75cl) 2018Indulge in the luscious grandeur of the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018, a peerless embodiment of Washington's celebrated Red Mountain AVA anniversary release. A fusion of importer Marchesi Antinori's Tuscan expertise and Chateau Ste. Michelle's local love, this stellar collaboration berefts a harmonious blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah. This sublime wine was made utilising organic farming methods in the terroir-rich soils of Red Mountain Vineyard. Its robust structure, astounding complexity, tantalising fruit density, and espresso-infused finish result from 22 months' maturation in French oak barrels. A vibrant ruby hue mirrors its notes of black fruit, plum and violet, evoking a palate of spiced dark cherry, black tea, and oak, rounded off by supple tannins and delightful acidity. A versatile choice, the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018 yearns to accompany a juicy steak or aged cheese. Experience the luxurious sophistication of this unique vintage from one of the most acclaimed wine producers.
Inc. TAX€725.81 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years.Inc. TAX€2,012.17 -
Vinous (96)
The 2011 Cariad is a dark, brooding beauty. A whole range of savory and earthy nuances play off a dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2011 is distinguished by its surprising breadth and volume. The strong savory qualities of the year are present in a wine that impresses with its balance and poise. It is a terrific example of the year.Inc. TAX€2,211.53 -
(3x75cl) 2012Wine Advocate (98)
A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine, made from grapes grown by David Abreu at his estate vineyards in Napa. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years.Inc. TAX€1,856.35 -
(3x75cl) 2013Vinous (98)
The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena.Inc. TAX€1,646.17
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James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.In Bond€240.00 -
James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.In Bond€429.00 -
James Suckling (98)
The evolution of this wine has been phenomenal since I tasted it in barrel a year ago with the same black cherry, plum and citrus character but with a turn to orange leaf, dark Chinese tea, and mushroom. Full body, fine and velvety tannins with a touch of dust to the texture. So much chocolate and fruit undertones with forest floor and hints of tobacco, too. The mouthfeel and complexity are seductive. Better from 2022 but a joy to taste. Spring 2018 release.In Bond€619.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.In Bond€251.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96)
Always a more powerful, gravelly, graphite-driven expression compared to the seductive Dominus, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon offers blackcurrants, scorched earth, graphite, lead pencil, and smoke that give this a Pauillac-like style. Based on primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot and aged 20 months in 40% new French oak, it's full-bodied, rich, and concentrated, with a great mid-palate and outstanding length. It has aged beautifully and will continue drinking well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.In Bond€684.00 -
James Suckling (99)
Aromas of sweet berries, fresh herbs, currant bush and licorice. Terracotta. Full body, layered and soft, velvety and focused tannins. Breathtaking texture. The focus ad polished is phenomenal. Harmonious. Enticing. Fascinating and thoughtful. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. Drink or hold.In Bond€626.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.In Bond€251.00 -
(1x75cl) 2017
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.In Bond€162.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Extremely aromatic with crushed berries, currants, flowers and hints of uncured tobacco leaf. Carnations. Medium to full body and extremely fine tannins that are firm and polished. Vertical tannins draw you down. Some blanched-walnut character to the blue fruit. Fresh and clean at the finish. Release in spring 2020. So beautiful to drink now.In Bond€593.00 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.In Bond€251.00 -
Decanter (99)
Christian Moueix's Napa Valley project Ulysses often produces a profound Cabernet, and this 2018 release of their Oakville red is about as profound as they come. A very pretty wine for the typically boisterous Ulysses, this vintage exudes a Margaux-like purity and levity, coupled with incredibly fragrant floral notes that turn savoury and sagebrush-driven, all with a keen sense of serenity. There's power and structure, of course, but with very velvety, fine-grained tannins that are perfectly integrated. With harmony and integrity through and through, this is a gorgeous wine that has been going to the cellar for a very long time.In Bond€684.00 -
(12x37.5cl) 2019
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond€779.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond€227.00 -
(1x300cl) 2019
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond€634.00 -
(1x600cl) 2019
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond€1,460.00 -
James Suckling (97)
A very elegant wine from the Dominus team that contrasts with most wines from this generally opulent vintage. Opens with red fruit, raspberries and cherries, laced with mineral and savory notes before darker fruit, tobacco, blackcurrant and rich earth flavors fill the palate. Very silky tannins, a medium body and a sense of refreshment with good acidity. Composed of cabernet sauvignon with touches of cabernet franc and petit verdot. A super well-balanced wine that’s tempting to drink now, but best from 2029.In Bond€756.00 -
(12x75cl) 2014
Indulge in the elegant complexity of the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a benchmark wine embodying the majestic power and nuanced finesse that only Napa Valley's iconic To Kalon Vineyard can provide. Winemaker Cliff Lede, known for his rock-and-roll approach, harnesses key blocks of this historic vineyard, masterfully crafting this vintage with a blend of classic Bordeaux varieties.
On the palate, this wine boasts opulent, full-bore purple fruit, seductively woven with black cherry, dark chocolate and sweet baking spice notes, underpinned by incredibly plush, silky tannins. After meticulous aging in 75% new French oak for a period of 21 months, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 showcases immense aging potential.
Adorned with critical acclaim from revered wine publications, this limited-edition masterpiece encapsulates a monumental expression of Napa Valley terroir, worthy of any discerning collector's cellar.
In Bond€3,375.00 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
As good as it gets, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon checks in as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spent 21 months in new French oak. Possessing an incredible bouquet of cassis, liquid violets, Asian spices, and charred meats, it hits the palate with an elegant, seamless, ultra-fine texture that builds incrementally, with huge tannins that are only noticeable 30 seconds or more after the finish. This heavenly Napa Cabernet has no hard edges, incredible richness, no weight, and will evolve gracefully for two to three decades.In Bond€3,375.00 -
(12x75cl) 2018
In the prestige vineyards of Napa Valley, resides a quintessential Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018. This resplendent Californian red wine is a creation of Cliff Lede, a Canadian aficionado knowledgeable in both vine and verse. Cultivated in the historic To Kalon terroir, the wine possesses layers of complex flavours reflecting the gravelly alluvial fan soils of Oakville Appellation.
Narrating a marvellous maturation story, the grapes were hand-harvested and meticulously sorted before a gentle gravity-flow process led them to oak fermentation tanks. After carefully ageing for 18 months in French oak barrels, the Cliff Lede Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 reveals a bouquet of blackberries and crème de cassis, underscored by nuances of cigar box and graphite. Bright acidity on the palate yields an incredibly balanced drink with a sublime finish.
Crown your cellar with this illustrious Californian Cabernet, a testament to Cliff Lede's dedication to supreme viticulture and expert winemaking.
In Bond€2,890.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
A blend of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry spent 21 months in French oak prior to bottling. It too is inky purple/blue colored and offers heavenly notes of graphite, liquid rocks, crushed violets, blueberries, charcoal and cassis. Fabulously concentrated, opulent, layered, and ripe, with serious amounts of tannin that come out with time in the glass, this monumental beauty should only be purchased by patient consumers as it's going to need 7-8 years or more of cellaring.In Bond€1,320.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Poetry is another gorgeous wine from Cliff Lede. Crème de cassis, lavender, cloves, graphite, chocolate, sweet French oak and torrefaction notes infuse this sumptuous, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from Lede's Poetry block in Stags Leap. This is another full-throttle wine endowed with a ton of character.In Bond€2,155.00 -
(6x75cl) 2015
Jeb Dunnuck (97+)
Another tour de force is the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Songbook, which checks in as 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. It's the most open and approachable of the wines in the lineup, yet still needs to be forgotten for 5-6 years. Blackberries, spice-box, chocolate, currants and graphite notes all develop in the glass and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, beautiful mid-palate depth, and a great finish. While a big, rich wine, it shows the purity and finesse that's the hallmark of this vintage.In Bond€1,210.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years.In Bond€885.00 -
Unveiling the aristocracy of beverages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 marries the artistry of the craft and refinement of exceptional terroir. This French-inspired gem, produced by the esteemed Paso Robles winery in the Central Coast of California, promises a memorable encounter with its perfectly proportioned palate. It showcases an opulent blend of Syrah, synonymous with the estate's reputation.
Painstakingly aged for 24 months in French oak, the Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 strikes an exquisite balance of dark fruit flavours, leathery tannins, and nuanced floral accents. The temperate Paso Robles climate lends intensity and longevity to the wine, reflected in its rich, dark ruby hue. Taking us back to the visionary expertise of Guillaume Fabre, who mastered the art of vintages, the Clos Solene Paso Robles Hommage A Nos Pairs Reserve 2018 truly gives life to the intricate harmony of superior vineyard character and winemaking finesse.
In Bond€513.00 -
(12x75cl) 2013
Vinous (95+)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon is striking. Powerful and dense in the glass, with utterly mesmerizing balance, the 2013 hits all the right spots. Graphite, smoke, grilled herbs, black cherries and incense form a tapestry of aromas and flavors that simply dazzles. The 2013 needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften, but it is a real head-turner. The combination of intense tannin and opulent fruit is classic 2013. In 2013, Clos du Val made 33,800 cases (405,600 bottles) of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a significant amount of wine. Clos du Val bottled the 2013 over a two week period. The passage of time has resulted in some amount of bottle variation, which readers should be aware of. For the money, the 2013 is still a terrific value in Napa Valley Cabernet, but the bottom line is that there is also a noticeable amount of bottle variation.Editor's Note: This review is for the Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, and not one of the other Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings Clos du Val has made over the years. Last updated: November 5. 2015.In Bond€1,090.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Indulge in the luscious grandeur of the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018, a peerless embodiment of Washington's celebrated Red Mountain AVA anniversary release. A fusion of importer Marchesi Antinori's Tuscan expertise and Chateau Ste. Michelle's local love, this stellar collaboration berefts a harmonious blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon and 29% Syrah. This sublime wine was made utilising organic farming methods in the terroir-rich soils of Red Mountain Vineyard. Its robust structure, astounding complexity, tantalising fruit density, and espresso-infused finish result from 22 months' maturation in French oak barrels. A vibrant ruby hue mirrors its notes of black fruit, plum and violet, evoking a palate of spiced dark cherry, black tea, and oak, rounded off by supple tannins and delightful acidity. A versatile choice, the Col Solare Proprietary Red 2018 yearns to accompany a juicy steak or aged cheese. Experience the luxurious sophistication of this unique vintage from one of the most acclaimed wine producers.
In Bond€586.00 -
Wine Advocate (100)
The 2010 Proprietary Red Cariad reveals great intensity along with abundant notes of unsmoked tobacco leaf interwoven with blueberry, blackberry and cassis fruit, charcoal and coffee bean nuances as well as a Pauillac-like lead pencil shaving character. This blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 14% Cabernet Franc is one of the finest wines I tasted over the 12 days I spent tasting in Napa Valley in late August and early September. This remarkable 2010 should drink beautifully for 20 or more years.In Bond€1,665.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2011 Cariad is a dark, brooding beauty. A whole range of savory and earthy nuances play off a dark cherry and plum fruit. The 2011 is distinguished by its surprising breadth and volume. The strong savory qualities of the year are present in a wine that impresses with its balance and poise. It is a terrific example of the year.In Bond€1,820.00 -
(3x75cl) 2012
Wine Advocate (98)
A close second (and who knows how they might perform at different times and with different foods) is the 2012 Cariad Proprietary Red Wine, made from grapes grown by David Abreu at his estate vineyards in Napa. This blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot shows notes of burning embers/charcoal, blackberry fruit, licorice and floral notes, followed by a full-bodied, dense, layered wine. It has great purity, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannin, and a voluptuous mouthfeel and finish of close to 50+ seconds. This is a stunner that can be drunk now or cellared for another 25-30 years.In Bond€1,535.00 -
(3x75cl) 2013
Vinous (98)
The 2013 Cariad is fabulous. Pliant, expressive and nuanced in the glass. Here, the tannins are suave and supple, which makes the wine unusually accessible today. There is plenty of delineation in the dark, mineral-laced flavors, but the 2013 impresses for most of its superb textural depth. Cariad is made mostly from fruit sourced from David Abreu's Madrona Ranch vineyard in St. Helena.In Bond€1,360.00
