Varietal of the Month: Syrah

 

Is Syrah the Red Wine Supernova? Very possibly, yes! Yet for many years Syrah, a medium bodied to full-bodied dry red Rhône varietal, was ignored by consumers and it struggled to find a place at the table. Today, winemakers embrace the inherent wild nature of the grape and coax it to its full natural expression of flavors from bright to savory, making wines of great structure and complexity with a balance of fruit, tannin, acidity and alcohol. Syrah is a many splendored thing, a poem of scents, flavors and textures; it’s a varietal worthy of your attention.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Syrah you may find along the Wine Road

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah, Alexander Valley

 

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah presents as a dark violet color in the glass. Although this wine’s roots are Californian, from the Alexander Valley, it has the pulse and heartbeat of the Rhône. On the nose it’s deep and earthy with notes of menthol and herbs de Provence, green peppercorn, black cherry and sweet tobacco. On the palate, bright acidity and juiciness prevails with notes of blackberry and raspberry. A touch of white pepper and a meaty quality, typical of Rhône Syrah, balance the fine tannins along with a lingering black olive note on the finish. The sub $30 list price is an exceptional value.

 

$26

ABV 14%

 

 

Balletto 2019 Syrah BCD Vineyard Russian River Valley

 

The Balletto 2019 Syrah from the BCD Vineyard in the Russian River Valley is 100% Syrah made from the Estrella River clone. So what’s that mean to you? Probably nothing. But once you taste it you’ll want to take note and seek it out again. On the nose, a rich earthy elixir of black plum, ripe blackberry, clove and black pepper with notes of coffee bean, dark chocolate and sassafras. On the palate, the lively blackberry comes to the fore, along with rich flavors of blueberry and black cherry. Fine sandy tannins build to a long satisfying finish with notes of mocha and a hint of black olive. Enjoyable right now, but it is destined to deepen and develop with age.   

 

$36

ABV 13.9%

 

 

J. Rickards Winery 2020 Syrah Furlong Vineyard, Alexander Valley

 

The J. Rickards Winery 2020 Syrah from the Furlong Vineyard in Alexander Valley is co-fermented with 4% Viognier. On the nose, plum sauce, black current, and black pepper, along with subtle notes of cedar, menthol and sweet tobacco that conjured in my mind an adorable hamster smoking a Salem. (But that’s just my frame of reference.) Rich and robust, this is a fleshy and richly flavored Syrah with flavors of plum, blackberry, mocha, mint, and chaparral. Wonderful balance and structure with fine sandy tannins that lift the deep flavors and deliver a nice round finish. 

 

ABV 14.6%

 

Peterson 2016 Syrah Gravity Flow Block Dry Creek Valley

 

The Peterson 2016 Syrah Gravity Flow Block from the Dry Creek Valley is composed of 93% Syrah that is co-fermented with 7% Viognier. Co-fermenting Viognier with Syrah is time-honored method employed in the Rhône Valley to offer stability to the wine, but it also subtly enhances the floral and fruit notes. On the nose an exciting collision of earthy blackberry, dark plum and brambles, along with savory scents of mushroom, cardamom and sassafras. On the palate, a soft caress of minty sagebrush, ripe black cherry, mocha and boysenberry. This bold scent profile coupled with a plush mouthfeel is the essence of the descriptor— “an iron fist in a velvet glove”—it’s robust yet elegant and refined at the same time. 

 

$48

ABV 14.7%

 

Selby 2019 Syrah Dry Creek Valley

 

The Selby 2019 Syrah from Dry Creek Valley is alive with texture and flavor, with all the earmarks of a fine savory Syrah. On the nose, chocolate covered blueberries with a touch of mint and green peppercorn. On the palate, smooth and rich with bright juicy blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, cranberry and plum sauce. It’s harmonious and balanced, with medium body and a distinct and savory black olive note on the long velvety finish.  

 

$38

ABV 14.4%

 

Spicy Vines 2021 Syrah Dragon’s Kiss Sierra Foothills

 

The Spicy Vines 2021 Syrah Dragon’s Kiss is from Le Mulet Rouge, a high elevation vineyard in the Sierra Foothills. The nose is softly perfumed with chocolate, sweet tobacco, clove, a whiff of leather and peppercorn. On the palate it’s chewy and tart with plum sauce, mocha, boysenberry and tangy black olive. Soft powdery tannins spread across the tongue and palate with a plumy rich meatiness and a touch of mint on the long earthy finish.

 

$48

ABV 15.1%

Varietal of the Month: Merlot

 

Merlot practically needs no introduction; it’s one of the Nobel grapes, and one of the most planted grapes in the world. Perhaps you heard of Merlot in a movie that made the grape fall out of fashion? But that was decades ago and Merlot is back front and center and in the swing of things again. Although in truth Merlot never left the scene, it’s just been waiting for it’s moment to shine again and that moment is now.

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Merlot is rich, smooth and full flavored. On the nose it has notes of plum, black cherry, vanilla, fig newton, and a touch of graphite. On the palate it sings with juicy cherry, chocolate, cedar and a light note of sage. Soft and plush, with great texture, it has fine balanced tannins that stipple across the palate and through to the finish. Pair with a Sideways watch party.

AVB 14.0%
$24

 

Amphora 2019 Merlot, Dry Creek Valley

The Amphora 2019 Merlot from Dry Creek Valley is garnet in color with a pale rose edge. On the nose an earthy quality comes through with notes of violets, blueberry, cedar and leather. As it opens red raspberry and fig come into play. On the palate it’s deep and full flavored with plum, cassis, and chocolate. Smooth with well integrated tannins that linger on the spicy finish. Pair with spicy chicken-cheese enchiladas .

ABV 13.6%
$55

 

Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot, Alexander Valley

The Francis Ford Coppola 2020 Merlot from Alexander Valley, composed of 82.4% Merlot, 15.9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.5% Cab Franc; has an approachable complexity that makes it an easy choice for sharing among friends and family with diverse palates. On the nose, scents of chocolate, raspberry, vanilla, blueberry, dusty violets and a pleasant whiff of s’mores roasting over a campfire. On the palate it’s rich and plush with fine sandy tannins and flavors of chocolate covered raspberry, rhubarb, and note of black olive. Pair with a poetic and romantic musical such as One From the Heart by Francis Ford Coppola. ;-)

ABV 15.0%
$30

 

Ehert 2019 Merlot, Knights Valley

Imagine a circus of the senses and that’s what you’ll find in a glass of the Ehret 2019 Merlot, composed of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s exciting and vibrant on the nose with scents of bright red cherry, raspberry, vanilla and spun sugar aka cotton candy. On the palate it’s a smooth operator with notes of caramel, plum, huckleberry, cocoa and a note of bay leaf and black olive. Great texture with soft balanced tannins and a spicy finish make this a natural to pair with a variety of dishes from hearty lasagna to grilled salmon.

ABV 15.5%
$65

 

Ektimo 2020 Merlot, Russian River Valley

The Ektimo 2020 Merlot from Russian River Valley is like a poem written by the vineyard with earthy prose and poise you can taste. On the nose it has a gentle herbal note of bay leaf along with scents of dried strawberry, black cherry, and toffee. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with flavors of chocolate cherry, blackberry, tobacco and toasty vanilla. Long finish with supple tannins and a spicy tangy finish. Pair with a rib eye steak and chimichurri sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$36

 

Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley

The Longboard 2021 Merlot, Dakine Vineyard, Russian River Valley is a field blend of Merlot and small amount of Malbec (11%) that is co-fermented. It smells like a warm chocolate éclair (so delicious) with rich scents of plum, caramel and red raspberry too. On the palate it’s plush and curvaceous with deep flavors of chocolate, thyme, and cafe au lait. Fine sandy tannins and great overall structure give it staying power to the last drop. It would be fun to buy a half dozen bottles now and open at two-year intervals to see where it will go. It’s sure to be a special destination. Pair with lamb kabobs and pomegranate sauce.

ABV 14.5%
$48

 

Robert Young 2019 Merlot, Alexander Valley

This meticulously made Robert Young 2019 Merlot from Alexander Valley is a pleasure from beginning to end. On the nose, a heady array of scents rises up from the glass with aromas of blackberry pie, raspberry, black olive, tobacco and chocolate. On the palate it’s luxurious and rich with soft tannins that ripple with flavors of cherry, Santa Rosa plum, dark cocoa, and dried strawberry. Pair with a simple charcuterie board or chili cheeseburgers.

ABV 14.1%
$60

 

Varietal of the Month: Syrah

 

Syrah, a Rhône varietal, is a full-bodied dry red wine with supple tannins and savory flavor. It’s juicy and spice-driven with dark black fruits and a telltale note of black olive. If you wrote a dating profile for Syrah it might read: “Dark, rich and elegant with great character. I’m smooth and seductive and have a thing for the spicy side of life with a penchant for black olives. Call me! Or better yet, drink me!!” Yes, Syrah has all the markers for a great date, but an even better as a date wine.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Syrah you may find along the Wine Road.

 

NOTE: The wines below were tasted and evaluated 100% by a human being. No AI was harmed or used in the writing of these notes.

 

 

Acorn Axiom Syrah 2019, Alegría Vineyards, Russian River Valley

The ACORN 2019 Axiom Syrah is a field blend of Syrah inter-planted with Viognier. Before tasting, pause and raise a glass to the ACORN field-blend champions, for this 21^st vintage from the vineyard is also the last. Enjoy it while you can. In the glass it’s deep garnet in color with a sage and blackberry nose and secondary notes of vanilla and cedar. On the palate a plush mouth feel, rich black fruits such as blueberry and plum predominate with a warm mid-palate note of nutmeg and dark chocolate. The long finish is juicy and lush with smooth spicy tannins. Pair with sausage pizza with arugula.

 

ABV 14.6%

$50

 

Alexander ValleyVineyards 2019 Syrah, Alexander Valley

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Syrah is a dark purple color in the glass with a deep fragrant nose of violets, cocoa, smoky sage, mint and black pepper. On the palate it’s full flavored and earthy—mocha, leather, fig cassis, and blueberry with a wonderful spicy cured meat note. It has a sunny acidity that warmly transits across the palate. The long plush finish has soft integrated tannins. Pair with herb dusted goat cheese and prosciutto wrapped figs.

ABV 14.0%
$26

Amista 2018 Syrah,Morningstar Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

The Amista 2018 Syrah from Morningstar Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley Garnet is a deep ruby color. There’s a spot on the trail I frequent where on a warm summer day the scent of ripe juicy blackberries mingles with tufts of minty pennyroyal and the crushed gravel dust kicked up from my hiking boots—and that mixture of blackberry, mint and dusty gravel smells just like this Syrah. The palate has a plush mouth feel with juicy black fruits, black olive, black cherry and raspberry on the long spicy finish. Pair with Pork tenderloin with herbs de Provence.

 

ABV 14.7%

$50

 

Baldassari 2020 SyrahNolan Vineyard, Bennett Valley

The Baldassari 2020 Syrah from Nolan Vineyard in Bennett Valley has a deep earthy nose with scents of black fruits, chocolate, clove, and crushed violets. On the palate it has a soft sensuous charm with a plush mouth feel and smooth knitted tannins. Savory and flavorful with notes of pink peppercorn, pomegranate, blueberry and secondary notes of cassis and smoky vanilla. The spicy peppery finish is long and layered with a touch of black olive. Very delicious! Pair with spice rubbed pork chops with mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.2%

$ 43

 

Balletto 2018 Syrah,BCD Vineyard Russian River Valley

The Balletto 2018 Syrah from the BCD Vineyard in Russian River Valley is dark garnet in color with scents of sweet violet, black cherry, blueberry, licorice and chocolate mint. As it opens a savory note of bacon fat emerges that is simply divine. On the palate it’s earthy and plush with flavors of graphite, plum sauce, and cardamom. The finish is a compelling vibe of warm spicy chocolate and black olive that builds and deepens with each sip. Pair with spicy lamb kabobs and fresh mint.

 

ABV 13.8%

$36

 

Cāpo Creek 2018Syrah, Fountain Grove District, Sonoma County

The Cāpo Creek 2018 Syrah from Fountain Grove District has a deep

burgundy color in the glass. On the nose, scents of violet, crushed gravel, blueberry, plum, sweet tobacco, and milk chocolate. On the palate notes of sweet briar, fig and vanilla, which builds to a minty crescendo with smooth integrated tannins. It’s like an adult version of a Peppermint Patty! Smooth and satisfying with a spicy finish that is both fresh and savory. It’s great to sip on its own or pair simply with charcuterie board and rosemary flat bread.

 

ABV 14.9%

$82

Longboard Vineyards2019 Savage Côast Syrah, Russian River Valley

The 2019 Longboard Savage Côast Syrah from Russian River Valley is dark magenta in the glass. On the nose a characteristic rotundone note—the aromatic peppery quality of peppercorns, marjoram and oregano found in Rhône grown Syrah. Additional scents of blueberry, cassis, violet, black cherry, leather and gravel give it a grounded earthy heft. On the palate a soft mouthful with sassafras (aka root beer) black olive, cranberry, sweet tobacco, clove, espresso and a cured meat note. The spicy finish is long and taut with balanced supportive tannins. Pair with Grilled Sausages and Peppers.

 

ABV 14.5%

$68

 

J. Rickards Winery2019 Syrah, Furlong Vineyard, Alexander Valley

The J. Rickards Winery 2019 Syrah from Furlong Vineyard in Alexander Valley is dark garnet in the glass. On the nose a rush of scents including blueberry, clove fruitcake, sweet cherry, cassis, cocoa, leather and a meaty note like cured sausage.

Fresh and fruity it has great complexity, texture and flavor. On the palate notes of sage, chocolate, herbal cherry and blackberry compote with a zingy hit of black olive. Silky tannins and lush long finish build to an exhilarating finish with juicy blackberry and black cherry notes. Pair with Moroccan Chicken Tagine.

 

ABV 14.6%

$35

Peterson 2016 Syrah,Gravity Flow Block, Sonoma County

The Peterson 2016 Syrah, Gravity Flow Block has serenity and a tension that makes me think of the moment just before the conductor drops the baton and the music begins. That suspended moment of anticipation is mirrored here in the way the flavors build coalesce into a singular harmony. Medium garnet in color it has a lovely potpourri nose of violet, sage, spicy black carnation, blueberries and plum with a minty-chocolate-anise note. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel with blueberry, sweet tobacco, chocolate mint, leather, graphite and black pepper. The fine tannins carry the complexity of black fruit flavors through to the end with a trace of black olive on the finish. Pair with classical music and Chateaubriand.

 

ABV 14.7%

$48

Varietal of the Month: Cabernet Franc

 

Have you noticed everybody is talking about Cabernet Franc lately? It’s no surprise—Cabernet Franc has medium body and moderate tannin and acidity with great texture that makes it a worthy addition to the dinner table. Cabernet Franc offers up the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon, to which it is the parent grape.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Cabernet Franc you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Alexander ValleyVineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley

 

This Alexander Valley Vineyards 2020 Cabernet Franc grown in Alexander Valley is 100% Cab Franc with a deep purple color. On the nose a distinct mocha note, reminiscent of Aztec Hot Chocolate that combines cocoa powder, cinnamon, vanilla, and chili powders. It’s like s’mores in glass! On the palate, tart and juicy with flavors of cherry, raspberry, strawberry, cassis and touch of black pepper along with a persistent cocoa note. Plush mouth feel with and taut fine tannins. Pair with lamb kebabs.

 

ABV 14.0%

$34

 

Cast Cabernet Franc 2019 Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley

 

From Oak Knoll district in Napa, the Cast 2019 Cabernet Franc is full of energy. Notes of mint, plum and strawberry on the nose. The palate is full of texture, with juicy plush mouthfeel and taut fine tannins. Flavors of mulberry, tart cherry a touch of thyme with a savory note of nutmeg. Still young, this wine will only get better with age, but it’s delightful now. Pair with a classic French Onion soup and crusty bread.

 

ABV 11.4%

$ Sold Out

 

Colagrossi 2018 Cease & Desist, Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley

 

The Colagrossi 2018 Cease & Desist Cabernet Franc from Alexander Valley will grab your attention from the first whiff with a beguiling aroma consisting of strawberry, sweet tobacco with a trace of bell pepper. On the palate, notes of gravel, boysenberry and raspberry. Great texture with fine tannins and a bright note of spice and brambles. It’s like sunlight breaking through the fog—soft, yet warm and rich. Pair with Chicken Enchiladas.

 

ABV 14.6%

$45

 

The Meeker Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Franc, Dry Creek Valley

 

Warm and welcoming, like pulling on your favorite sweater, the Meeker Vineyard 2018 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley is a spicy sipper for winter nights. On the nose you’ll find juniper, pink peppercorn, lanolin and a faint note of cherry blossom. On the palate an array of flavors with bell pepper, jalapeño, and clay pot. The fine tannins and long bright finish carry through with notes of red currant and tart cherry. Supple and alive now, but will age beautifully over the long term. Try pairing with mushroom and sausage lasagna.

 

ABV 14.9%

$50

 

Mounts 2018 CabernetFranc Dry Creek Valley

 

The Mounts 2018 Cabernet Franc from Dry Creek Valley bursts from the glass with earthy scents of dried strawberry, raspberry, cayenne, crushed gravel, sweet briar, and saddle leather. It giddy-yaps across the palate with grace. Plump mouthfeel with great texture and tannin structure featuring balanced flavors of sugarplum, chili pepper, boysenberry, licorice, and tart cherry. The long finish is deep and rich with notes of bright cranberry at the end. Pair with pork tenderloin.

 

ABV 15.8%

$50

 

Peterson 2014 Cabernet Franc Bradford Mountain Estate Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Peterson 2014 Cabernet Franc from Bradford Mountain Estate in Dry Creek Valley is comprised of 80% Cab Franc 15% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot. It’s a magical confluence of fruit and tannin with aromas of cherry, dried strawberry, vanilla, chaparral (sage and cedar) and mocha. Soft and lovely on the palate it has both lift and depth with rich flavors of sweet tobacco, Aztec Chocolate, red plum, strawberry and a whiff of petrichor. Pair with maple cherry glazed Duck Confit.

 

ABV 14.4%

$45

 

Ramazzotti 2018Cabernet Franc, Pigoni Ranch, Alexander Valley

 

The Ramazzotti 2018 Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley, from the famed Pigoni Ranch vineyard is a gorgeous deep garnet in the glass. On the nose it’s bright and aromatic with scents of raspberry, strawberry, sweet briar, coffee bean, cola and a faint note of fennel. On the palate, it opens with juicy raspberry, followed by paprika, thyme, tart cherry and a heavenly note of mochaccino on the long finish. Soft tannins make this an easy sipper that will pair great with dishes as varied as Chile Rellenos to Moroccan Beef stew.

 

ABV 14.5%

$55

 

Robert Young 2019Cabernet Franc, Alexander Valley

 

The Robert Young 2019 Cabernet Franc from Alexander Valley has an awesome cherry cola scent that reminds me of Mr. PiBB!—a spicy, cherry pepper mix that’s simply fabulous along with soft notes of caramel and sweet bell pepper. On the palate, it’s soft and plush with warm notes of dried tobacco, sage, black cherry and bright cranberry on the long finish. Still quite young, this wine will benefit from a few more years of age. Hold on to it if you can—this wine is going places and you will want to be there when it arrives! Only 16 barrels produced. Pair with a majestic crown roast of pork; its inherent drama will be equal to the wine. 

 

ABV 14.4%

$68

Varietal of the Month: Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer is a medium body, dry white wine lighter than a Chardonnay and heavier than a Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigo. Gewürz means spice in German and the grape hails from Alsace the French wine region bordering Germany. It’s a cool climate grape that exhibits great aromatics and texture with refreshing spicy flavors such as lychee, passion fruit, cinnamon, clove and ginger with a dry, crisp finish.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County

 

The Alexander Valley Vineyards 2021 Gewürztraminer from Mendocino is made from Organic grapes and has a pale straw color like a muted sunbeam. Inhale deeply and be swept away by the heady bouquet of rose petal and orange blossom with tropical notes of lychee and guava. On the palate it’s bright, fresh and fruity with great texture and full of flavors of bergamot, Bosc pear and spicy apple cinnamon that I found reminiscent of Apple Jacks. Balanced and round with a tart yet silky finish and final note of elderflower. Pair with red Thai curry.

 

ABV 13.25

$16

Balletto Vineyards 2020 Gewürztraminer, Russian River Valley

 

The Balletto Vineyards 2020 Gewürztraminer is grown in Russian River Valley and has a pale translucent yellow tone in the glass. It’s soft and aromatic on the nose with scents of lychee, peach and a wonderful toasty base note of warm marshmallow. On the palate a plush mouth feel with creamy round notes of peach, guava, ripe pear and hint of spicy ginger. Pair with Spring rolls and Hoisin dipping sauce. 

 

ABV 13.9%

$20

 

Mill Creek 2021 Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek Valley

 

Pale rose-gold in color, the Mill Creek 2021 Gewürztraminer from Dry Creek Valley, truly sparkles in the glass. A wonderful clean dry scent of freshly laundered linen on the nose with notes of rose petals, peach kernel, honey and ginger. Soft and plush it has great balance with rich flavors of bosc pear, bergamot, Turkish delight (rose water) white peach and a spicy cinnamon note on the finish. Pair with flaky white fish steamed with ginger, garlic, soy, and scallions. 

 

ABV 14.7%

$

Optima 2021 Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Optima 2021 Gewürztraminer from Dry Creek Valley is a veritable garden of delights with intense aromatics on the nose comprised of passion fruit, rose petals, white nectarine, and spicy notes of cinnamon. The palate is opulent and viscous, opening with notes of honeydew, ripe pear, lychee and peach. The finish is spicy and bright with lemongrass, cardamom, honey, clove, and ginger. Dry and delicious, pair with an old school classic—Gruyère, or gouda cheese Fondue.

 

ABV 14.1%

$28

Joseph Swan Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer Saralee’s Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Joseph Swan Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer from the famed Saralee’s Vineyard in Russian River Valley has a thoroughly captivating nose of perfumed rose petals and sandalwood. Dry yet full flavored on the palate with bright notes of honey, pink grapefruit, creamy peach and spice. Wonderful balance overall with a spicy finish. Pair with bratwurst and sauerkraut for a hearty dish of old world flavor.

 

ABV 13.3%

$

Cabernet Sauvignon: Varietal of the Month

 

Probably the most famous of all the varieties—Cabernet Sauvignon is King of the grape world. It grows in practically every wine region and is noted for it’s concentrated flavors and ability to age gracefully for decades. Its hearty body and tight-knit finely grained tannins make it pair worthy with a variety of foods. Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon from cooler sites, deliver wines of balance and harmony with great texture and characterized by rich black fruit flavors and minty herbal notes with long lasting tannins.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Cabernet Sauvignon you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

This 2018 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and made with certified organic grapes. In the glass it presents a minty and floral scent that deepens with notes of licorice, rhubarb, leather, eucalyptus and clove. On the palate it’s full black cherry, blackberry, olive, leather, mocha and cassis with a long minty finish. It’s bright, beautiful and balanced, with juicy flavors and classic fine grained tannins. Pair with Beef Empanadas.

 

ABV 14.0%

$34

 

Colagrossi 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

Soft, savory, and smooth with a bright finish, the 2018 Colagrossi Cabernet Sauvignon is a delight. On the nose you’ll find blackberry, vanilla, and graphite. On the palate, juicy black fruits and notes of tobacco, along with rhubarb and plum that culminate in a long spicy finish. Pair with Wild Porcini Mushroom Risotto.

 

ABV 14.7%

$55

Ehret 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bavarian Lion Vineyards, Knights Valley

 

The 2017 Ehret Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley opens with a bright and bewitching nose with notes of blueberry, eucalyptus, fig, and black cherry. On the palate deep flavors of licorice black olive, and cassis merge with a soft smoky cedar note. Lovely balance of acid and tannin, with a long lingering spicy finish. Pair with Jason Robinson’s Tri-Tip. You can find the recipe on episode 149 of the Wine Road podcast.

 

ABV 15.0%

$75

 

 

Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

The Jordan 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is pure splendor in the glass. It smells so good, bright and aromatic with notes of black cherry, mocha, dusty cedar, mint, baking spice, and graphite. Lovely and lyrical it has classic structure and flavors of cassis, ripe black cherry and smooth silky tannins with hint of cedar and eucalyptus that slowly fades. Pair with pork loin and potatoes au gratin. Great age ability over the next decade or more. 

 

ABV 13.8%

$85

 

Longboard 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

The Longboard, 2019 Rino Chaser, Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley is a delicious expression of texture and flavor. It’s chock-a-block with scents of boysenberry, cranberry, and mocha. On the palate lush flavors of cassis, mocha, sweet blackberry and mint with a savory note of warm vanilla. The fine-grained tannins are taut, long lasting and bright on the finish. Great overall balance and structure makes this a fine candidate for aging. Pair with Duck confit.

 

ABV 14.5% 

$50

 

Carol Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, Rockpile Vineyard

 

Gorgeous, juicy and full-bodied the Carole Shelton 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile Reserve, will captivate you from the very first sip. On the nose, notes of cedar, cherry, fig, graphite, and tobacco. On the palate a wonderful rush of cassis, blackberry, black cherry and deep mocha, glide upon rails of long lingering tannins that slowly fade to a satisfying finish. Pair with Classic Cheese burger, rare! Or if you are local, pair with the Ruben sandwich from Troubadour sandwich shop in Healdsburg. 

 

ABV 14.8% 

$50

 

West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ridge Block, Dry Creek Valley

 

Smooth and harmonious the West 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Dry Creek Valley offers a spicy bouquet on the nose with notes of mint, green bell pepper, eucalyptus, rhubarb, and baking spice. On the palate a silky mouth feel with flavors of juicy black cherry and blackberry along with clove, black olive, leather, mocha, and a tantalizing hint of tomato leaf. Finely textured tannins deliver a bright licorice and minty finish to this elegant and engaging wine. Pair with a lamb chops and chutney. 

 

ABV 13.5%

$55

 

 

Robert Young 2018 Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

 

Bold and full bodied, the 2018 Robert Young Scion, Cabernet Sauvignon is a fine example of Sonoma meets Bordeaux in style. Classic notes of leather, mint, black cherry, mocha and cassis are on the nose. On the plate, plush flavors of fig, mocha, and black fruits, with clove and graphite. It opens softly and builds gradually with great structure and taut spicy tannins. Pair with filet mignon. Lovely to drink now or cellar for future enjoyment.  

ABV 14.7%

$72