{"id":62,"date":"2009-12-20T16:07:46","date_gmt":"2009-12-20T16:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=62"},"modified":"2009-12-20T16:07:46","modified_gmt":"2009-12-20T16:07:46","slug":"give-a-90-point-cabernet-for-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=62","title":{"rendered":"Give A 90 Point Cabernet for Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Christmas_Tree_Wine_Caddy.gif\"This is the year to give the wine lover in your life a great High End Cab<\/strong> based wine for Christmas.\u00c2\u00a0 Why?\u00c2\u00a0 The economy stinks.\u00c2\u00a0 So why is that a good reason to spend a lot of money on wine?\u00c2\u00a0 The first reason is because this might be the only time you can get some of these wines.\u00c2\u00a0 Demand is off for high end wines.\u00c2\u00a0 In past years these wines are highly allocated<\/strong> and frequently sold out.\u00c2\u00a0 This year these wines are now available for consumers to get their hands on.\u00c2\u00a0 This is a great opportunity to get that special wine for your wine lover.\u00c2\u00a0 You also can probably get a discount as well.\u00c2\u00a0 Now the key is to buy the right ones to make sure you get your moneys worth.<\/p>\n

Just before Thanksgiving we conducted our annual High End Cab tasting<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We found several terrific Cabs for you to consider as gifts.\u00c2\u00a0 Below we will list all winners that scored 90 points or more<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 In addition, some of the best High Ends Cabs I tried this year were wines I covered during my trip to California this summer during the Wine Bloggers Conference.\u00c2\u00a0 Those Cab’s are also included in this ultimate Christmas wish list<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 So which wine will you choose to put behind your Christmas Tree Wine Caddy<\/a><\/strong>?<\/p>\n

\"Shafer_2005_Hillside_Select_Cabernet\"So what Cab tops the list?\u00c2\u00a0 The answer is the 2005 Shafer “Hillside Select.”<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 I scored this wine as Excellent<\/strong> and awarded it with 97 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Now it is expensive at $215<\/strong>, but it was the best wine that I tried on my trip to California.\u00c2\u00a0 So I can confidently say it was worth the investment.\u00c2\u00a0 I found the wine to be full bodied, extremely well balanced, and elegant.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays absolutely stunning refined blackberry flavors with delicate notes of black cherry, black licorice, and spice.\u00c2\u00a0 It's just delicious.\u00c2\u00a0 Anyone that receives this wine as a gift will certainly remember it for a long long time.\u00c2\u00a0 Score some points yourself and consider this wine for as you top Christmas gift for the wine lover in your life.<\/p>\n

\"Stature_2004\"The next\u00c2\u00a0two wines both scored 95 points<\/strong> and were considered Excellent<\/strong> as well.\u00c2\u00a0 Both wines are very limited in production, but are worth seeking out.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2004 Kendall Jackson “Stature”<\/a><\/strong> for $110<\/strong> is one heck of a wine.\u00c2\u00a0 The best features of this Napa Valley wine is that it is super silky and displays very extracted lush blackberry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 Another highlight is its very very lengthy finish.\u00c2\u00a0 I just loved it.\u00c2\u00a0 The next wine has a little more\u00c2\u00a0availability\u00c2\u00a0with 669 cases made.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Lokoya “Mount Veeder” Cab<\/a><\/strong> for $225<\/strong> is big and juicy.\u00c2\u00a0 I loved its ripe blueberry flavors with notes of blackberry and spice.\u00c2\u00a0 If the wine lover in your life loves fruit forward Cab, this is the wine you should try to get for them.<\/p>\n

\"Stuhlmuller_2006_Reserve_Cabernet\"The next wine we are going to recommend is the winner our Big Blind tasting<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 That wine was the 2006 Stuhlmuller “Reserve” Cab<\/a><\/strong> from the Alexander Valley in California.\u00c2\u00a0 Like the Lokoya and Stature, this wine is also very limited in production.\u00c2\u00a0 There were only 295 cases of this gem made.\u00c2\u00a0 However, Fritz has a few cases left after the KWG Tasting Panel<\/strong> took some off his hands.\u00c2\u00a0 At $65<\/strong> with 94 points<\/strong> awarded this wine is an absolute\u00c2\u00a0steal.\u00c2\u00a0 It opens with a fragrant ripe blueberry bouquet with a delicious blend of black raspberry and black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 It is extremely well balanced and silky which added to its appeal.\u00c2\u00a0 In the end, it was very dry and its enormous tannins go on for several minutes.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel suggested that you could enjoy it fireside on a cold winter's night or cellar it and pair it with a filet mignon in 5 to 10 years.\u00c2\u00a0 This is a perfect wine to put in your cellar.\u00c2\u00a0 However, we will bet you won't be able to resist trying one soon.<\/p>\n

\"Lokoya_2006_Spring_Mountain_Cabernet\"Other Cabs that scored 94 points<\/strong> were\u00c2\u00a0three additional wines that I covered this summer.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Lokoya “Spring Mountain”<\/a><\/strong> for $200<\/strong> was just a step behind its big brother from Mt. Veeder.\u00c2\u00a0 This offering was distinctive because of its very creamy and ultra elegant style.\u00c2\u00a0 It had a different flavor profile, led by delicious mild dusty blackberry flavors with a hint of black cherry on the back palate.<\/p>\n

\"Lail_2006_J_Daniel_Cuvee\"Another consistent winner is the Lail Vineyards “J Daniel Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon<\/a><\/strong> for $125<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This year I gave the 2006<\/strong> vintage 94 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is an impressive wine.\u00c2\u00a0 I loved how silky and elegant this Cab was.\u00c2\u00a0 If displays delicious ripe black cherry flavors on the palate and rather lengthy cherry soaked tannins that stick around for quite some time.\u00c2\u00a0 It was definitely a memorable wine.<\/p>\n

The last 94 pointer<\/strong> was the 2006 Merryvale “Profile”<\/a><\/strong> for $135<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This Napa Valley gem is made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 5% Petite Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc.\u00c2\u00a0 It was my second favorite wine from a blind tasting of ultra premium Napa Cabs and blends that I attended in September.\u00c2\u00a0 It showed excellent finesse from start to finish.\u00c2\u00a0 I was enamored by how smooth it was.\u00c2\u00a0 That aspect of the wine, when combined with is delightful light blueberry and black cherry flavors made it one of the top wines of the year.<\/p>\n

\"Spottswoode_2006_Estate_Cabernet\"Now we come back to our Big Blind tasting<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Our second place finisher from that tasting was another big boy.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Spottswoode Cab<\/a><\/strong> for $130<\/strong> hails from St. Helena, California.\u00c2\u00a0 We awarded this wine with 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is very nicely balanced and displays very tasty black cherry flavors with notes of menthol and oak.\u00c2\u00a0 Its finish is rather dry and its substantial tannins sail on for quite a while.\u00c2\u00a0 So our panel recommended that you cellar this wine or decant it before serving it with a ribeye steak.<\/p>\n

Just behind the Spottswoode in third place came from another big name from the Napa Valley.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2005 Trefethen “Reserve”<\/a><\/strong> for $100<\/strong> really caught our attention.\u00c2\u00a0 We scored it 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It opens with a very interesting wintergreen and cherry bouquet with a hint of plum.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays very tasty cherry vanilla flavors with notes of nutmeg and spice.\u00c2\u00a0 Better yet it was very nicely balanced and silky smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel felt this wine was a perfect wine for a special dinner.\u00c2\u00a0 So get a bottle and enjoy it with the wine lover in your life.<\/p>\n

\"Tom_Eddy_2003_Cabernet\"The other 93 point<\/strong> wines that I covered are all worthy of your attention and investment.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2003 Tom Eddy Cabernet<\/a><\/strong> from the “Napa Valley” is a heck of a wine for $80<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This Cab is full bodied and fruit forward with its very spicy black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine is still\u00c2\u00a0a baby and just beginning to emerge.\u00c2\u00a0 I certainly think it has plenty of fruit and tannins for the long haul.\u00c2\u00a0 It would be a great investment wine your wine lover.<\/p>\n

The 2006 Caymus “Special Select”<\/strong><\/a> for $160<\/strong> came in just behind the “Profile” in that September blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 It was full bodied, extremely well balanced, and ultra smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 My favorite part was its delicious blend of blueberry and ripe black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 That combined with its substantial smooth and lengthy tannins made it a real winner.\u00c2\u00a0 You can’t go wrong giving this wine away as a gift.<\/p>\n

\"PinaOne of my new favorite wineries is Pina<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 For 2 years running I have loved their “Buckeye Vineyard” Cabernet<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0from Howell Mountain for\u00c2\u00a0$85<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 I awarded the 2006<\/strong> with 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 As I mentioned, this impressive Cabernet is highly recommended for the second vintage in a row.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full bodied, nicely balanced, and smooth with very spicy black currant and black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 It also has\u00c2\u00a0complex hints of anise and blackberry mixed in as well.\u00c2\u00a0 Its fine tannins are nicely prolonged and make it a perfect complement to a NY strip steak.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nickel and Nickel<\/strong> makes many single vineyard Cabs.\u00c2\u00a0 I tried\u00c2\u00a0all the current releases at a tasting at Post 390 in Boston.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 “Kelham Vineyard” Cab<\/a><\/strong> from Oakville for $90<\/strong> was my favorite.\u00c2\u00a0 It was full bodied and nicely balanced with delicious ripe blackberry and boysenberry flavors with hints of black licorice and black pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 It also displayed noticeable big tannins that are lengthy and sticky.\u00c2\u00a0 So this\u00c2\u00a0Cab will do well long term and will age well in your cellar.<\/p>\n

\"Joseph_Phelps_2006_Insignia\"Returning to the Big Blind tasting<\/strong>, the next couple of wines were the big boys!\u00c2\u00a0 Both these wines might be the best wines of the bunch in the long run.\u00c2\u00a0 They are both substantial wines right now.\u00c2\u00a0 Both wines got 92 points<\/strong> from the panel.\u00c2\u00a0 The first of these 2 wines is the 2005 Merus<\/a><\/strong> for $135<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This Napa Valley wine is mostly Cab.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full bodied, dense, extremely well balanced, and smooth as silk.\u00c2\u00a0 It is delicious with its complex blend of black raspberry, tobacco, bacon, and menthol flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 You should really wait 5+ years before you drink this monster of a wine.\u00c2\u00a0 But if you can’t resist we suggest decanting.\u00c2\u00a0 Next up is the 2006 Joseph Phelps “Insignia”<\/a><\/strong> for $200<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It\u00c2\u00a0always finishes near the top of our high end blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 This year's vintage is a savory blend of black cherry and black raspberry with some notes smoky oak and black pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 It is also very smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel felt this wine would be perfect to pair nicely with a NY strip steak with Hollandaise sauce at some point down the road.\u00c2\u00a0 In the interim you should consider drinking your 2005 Insignia<\/a><\/strong> as it is showing great right now and it won that Ultra Premium blind tasting back in September.<\/p>\n

\"Darioush_2006_Cabernet\"The next wine has impressed me twice.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Darioush “Signature” Cabernet<\/a><\/strong> for $80<\/strong> was awarded with 92 points<\/strong> this summer and then recently impressed clients at our Christmas dinner at the Wayside Inn<\/strong> in Sudbury.\u00c2\u00a0 This full bodied Cab is very well balanced and ultra smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 Its dusty black cherry flavors with notes of oak, spice, and black pepper were a hit with everyone.\u00c2\u00a0 It's very well managed tannins sail on nicely and it paired well with everyone's food.<\/p>\n

The next\u00c2\u00a0three 92 point<\/strong> wines are defined by elegance<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2005 Altamura<\/a><\/strong> for $75<\/strong> is full bodied and very nicely balanced.\u00c2\u00a0 Our group was very impressed by this wine’s very silky mouthfeel.\u00c2\u00a0 It also displays a delicious cherry vanilla flavor profile with hints of spice and pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 It is a winner and very food friendly.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2006 Cardinale<\/strong> <\/a>for $200<\/strong> is pitch black colored wine that is full bodied, very well balanced, silky, and extremely refined.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavor profile is a tasty mild black cherry with a hint of strawberry.\u00c2\u00a0 It fine tannins build up and sail on and on.\u00c2\u00a0 It is an easy going Cab based wine that would pair well with a filet mignon over the next few years.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2005 Raymond “Generations” Cab<\/a><\/strong> for $85<\/strong> is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.\u00c2\u00a0 This Napa Cab was a real crowd pleaser.\u00c2\u00a0 It is very well balanced and smooth with delicious black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 I noted, I could drink this wine all night long and certainly would enjoy it with a filet mignon.<\/p>\n

\"Veraison_2005_Cabernet.gif\"Our next wine is the Krupp Brothers 2005 “Veraison” Cab<\/a><\/strong> which comes from the famous Stagecoach Vineyard<\/strong>. It opens with a mild black cherry like bouquet with a hint of sage.\u00c2\u00a0 Its juicy black cherry flavors with a hint of black pepper are impressive.\u00c2\u00a0 Its building tannins will catch your attention as they sail on for quite sometime.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine retails for $60,<\/strong> so it is a nice bargain when compared to its peers.<\/p>\n

If you remember my Beckstoffer post<\/a><\/strong> from this summer, you know we were very impressed by one of Paul Hobbs Cabs<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 \"Paul_Hobbs_2006_Napa_Valley_Cabernet\"So when I went to California this summer, I made it a point to stop by the winery and try some more wines.\u00c2\u00a0 I was impressed again with 2006 “Napa Valley” Cab<\/a><\/strong> for $75<\/strong> which\u00c2\u00a0I gave 92 points.<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 It was full bodied, well balanced, and concentrated with rich black cherry flavors with notes of blackberry, black currant, and black licorice mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0I also recommended the 2006 Dr. Crane’s Vineyard Cab<\/a><\/strong> as well.\u00c2\u00a0 This wine was $165<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0and received 93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Trefethen_2002_Library_Selection_Cabernet\"Our last highlighted wine is the 2002 Trefethen “Library Selection” Cab<\/a><\/strong> for $80<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This new late release was quite impressive.\u00c2\u00a0 The extra aging at the winery certainly has made this wine very special.\u00c2\u00a0 It opens with an attractive boysenberry and black raspberry bouquet.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, it is ultra smooth with very tasty black currant flavors and\u00c2\u00a0integrated spice.\u00c2\u00a0 The late release of this wine\u00c2\u00a0made\u00c2\u00a0it really approachable now with its well managed moderate tannins that are nicely extended and linger.<\/p>\n

Other wines Cabs<\/strong> scoring over 90 points<\/strong> that would make a great gift and are worthy of your investment:<\/p>\n

1) Chappellet 2006 Cab “Pritchard Hill”<\/a><\/strong> (Napa Valley) $135<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n2) PreVail 2005 Cab “Back Forty”<\/a><\/strong> (Alexander Valley) $85<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n3) Shafer 2006 Cab “One Point Five”<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Stags Leap) $70<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n4) Spring Mountain 2004 Cab “Elivette”<\/a><\/strong> (Napa Valley) $100<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n5) Kendall Jackson 2006 Cab “Trace Ridge”<\/a><\/strong> (Knight’s Valley) $70<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n6) Stonestreet 2005 Cab “Christopher’s”<\/a><\/strong> (Alexander Valley) $100<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n7) Nickel & Nickel 2006 Cab “Vogt Vineyard”<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 (Howell Mountain)\u00c2\u00a0$90<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n8) Blue Rock 2004 Cab “Alexander Valley”<\/strong><\/a> $47<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n9) Freemark Abbey 2004 Cab “Sycamore Vineyard”<\/a><\/strong> (Rutherford) $55<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n10) St. Supery 2005 Cab “Dollarhide”<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 (Napa Valley) $80<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n11) Duckhorn 2006 Cabernet “Napa Valley”<\/a><\/strong> $65<\/strong> (91<\/strong>)
\n12) Lancaster 2006 Cab “Estate”<\/strong><\/a> (Alexander Valley) $70<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n13) Concha y Toro 2006 Cab “Don Melchor”<\/a><\/strong> (Peumo Valley, Chile) $70<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n14) Viader 2006 Cab “Napa Valley”<\/strong><\/a> $100<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 (90<\/strong>)
\n15) Kuleto Estate 2005 Cab “Napa Valley”<\/a><\/strong> $60<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n16) Chalk Hill 2005 Cab “Estate Bottled”<\/a><\/strong> (Chalk Hill) $65<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n17) Duckhorn 2005 Cab “Estate Grown”<\/strong> <\/a>(Napa Valley) $95<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n18) Duckhorn 2005 Cab “Monitor Ledge Vineyard”<\/a><\/strong> (Napa Valley) $90<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n19) Joseph Phelps 2006 Cabernet<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley) $54<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(90<\/strong>)
\n20) J. Davies 2006 Cabernet “Diamond Mountain District”<\/a><\/strong> $75<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)
\n21) Heitz Cellars 2005 Cab “Napa”<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0$42<\/strong> (90<\/strong>)<\/p>\n

As you can see, I have had the luxury to trying a lot of really good Cabs this year.\u00c2\u00a0 These memorable wines are very impressive<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 If you want to make your wine lovers Christmas<\/strong> very special, call a winery and have one of these gems sent Express<\/strong> to you for a perfect last minute Christmas gift<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 You can also check in with your favorite wine merchant, I’m sure they will have at least one of these.\u00c2\u00a0 Good luck.\u00c2\u00a0 I know these wines will be your wine lover's favorite gift under the tree.<\/p>\n

Cheers! – Ken<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This is the year to give the wine lover in your life a great High End Cab based wine for Christmas.\u00c2\u00a0 Why?\u00c2\u00a0 The economy stinks.\u00c2\u00a0 So why is that a good reason to spend a lot of money on wine?\u00c2\u00a0 The first reason is because this might be the only time you can get some […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,83,88,11,123,8,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-cabernet-sauvignon","category-christmas","category-high-end-wines","category-kens-wine-guide-tasting-panel","category-napa-valley","category-wine-recommendations","category-wine-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=62"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/62\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=62"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=62"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=62"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}