{"id":77,"date":"2011-02-07T15:00:47","date_gmt":"2011-02-07T15:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=77"},"modified":"2011-03-02T20:33:53","modified_gmt":"2011-03-02T20:33:53","slug":"high-end-cabernets-and-red-blends-that-rock","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/?p=77","title":{"rendered":"High End Cabernets and Red Blends that Rock!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"200\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_ads\/High-End-Red-Wine.jpg\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"High End Red Wine\" height=\"200\" \/>This year&#8217;s <strong>Mid-Priced Cabernets,<\/strong> <strong>High-End Cabs,<\/strong> and Cab-based\u00c2\u00a0blends fell into\u00c2\u00a0two categories.\u00c2\u00a0 The first category, were wines with elevated acidity and lots of forward fruit flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 The second category, were wines with very high tannin levels and muted fruit offerings.\u00c2\u00a0 Overall, regardless of the style, we discovered some very impressive wines.\u00c2\u00a0 In this report we will highlight all the big winners, with <strong>a spotlight on all the wines that scored 92 points or more<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 We will also spotlight a handful of Cabs that scored <strong>91 points that were priced\u00c2\u00a0$50 or less<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 In a subsequent post I will present you with some Very Good value priced Cabs.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"123\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Shafer-2006-Hillside-Select-Cabernet.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Shafer-2006-Hillside-Select-Cabernet.gif\" height=\"180\" \/>Which Cab or Cab-based blend was the best of the best?\u00c2\u00a0 Let&#8217;s start with the winner from our Big Blind tasting!\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Shafer-2006-Hillside-Select-Cabernet\" title=\"Shafer-2006-Hillside-Select-Cabernet\">2006 Shafer &#8220;Hillside Select&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$215<\/strong> received an <strong>Excellent<\/strong> score of <strong>95 points<\/strong>from the panel.\u00c2\u00a0 This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap district was very distinguished and stood out in a blind tasting that included 15 of California&apos;s highest profile wines.\u00c2\u00a0 This impressive offering opens with a very attractive blueberry bouquet with hints of menthol, cassis, and gentle oak.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, it is full-bodied, smooth as silk, and beautifully balanced.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel loved its delicious blueberry flavors with pleasantly integrated oak.\u00c2\u00a0 It went on to further express its complexity with notes of plum, dark chocolate, and anise as well.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel could not say enough very good things about this wine.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Robert-Foley-2007-Claret.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Robert-Foley-2007-Claret\" height=\"234\" \/>The next three winners are wines that I covered non-blind over the last 6 months.\u00c2\u00a0 These outstanding offerings each warranted <strong>95 point scores<\/strong> from me.\u00c2\u00a0 If you can get your hands on a bottle or so, you certainly will be impressed as well.\u00c2\u00a0 First was the <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Robert-Foley-2007-Claret\" title=\"Robert-Foley-2007-Claret\">2007 Robert Foley &#8220;Claret&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> which is made from <strong>100% Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 A small group of us really enjoyed this wine at the Robert Foley dinner at the <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/stonehedgeinnandspa.com\/left-bank-restaurant\/index.cfm\" title=\"Left Bank Restaurant\">Stonehedge Inn<\/a><\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This gem opens with a fragrant boysenberry bouquet with a hint of blackberry.\u00c2\u00a0 It was full-bodied, very well balanced, and ultra smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 That inviting palate presence evolved into blackberry flavors with notes of black raspberry and black pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 There were hints of spice and gentle oak in the background as well.\u00c2\u00a0 This complex wine finished with well managed tannins that just drifted away nicely.\u00c2\u00a0 You will be impressed!\u00c2\u00a0 Sticking with Robert Foley, I recently tried his <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Robert-Foley-2008-Claret\" title=\"Robert-Foley-2008-Claret\">2008 &#8220;Claret.&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> It is also <strong>100% Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This vintage opens with a black cherry bouquet with a hint of blueberry, black pepper and oak.\u00c2\u00a0 The palate notes mirror the 2007 in that it is full bodied, very well balanced, and ultra smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile changes a bit as this wine displays delicious black currant and blueberry flavors with a pleasant dose of black pepper and oak nicely mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 Both of these gems cost <strong>$110 <\/strong>and were made to be enjoyed with a filet mignon with someone who will truly enjoy these wines.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Cabernet-blog.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Cabernet\" height=\"189\" \/>The last <strong>95 pointer<\/strong> has yet to be released.\u00c2\u00a0 So you can get in line.\u00c2\u00a0 It will be released in July and will likely be only available online or at the tasting room.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Cabernet\" title=\"Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Cabernet\">2007 Kendall Jackson &#8220;Trace Ridge&#8221; Cabernet<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$75<\/strong> is a steal.\u00c2\u00a0 This <strong>100% Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong> from the Knights Valley is a classic Cabernet!\u00c2\u00a0 It is impressive, yet elegant at the same time.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, it is full-bodied, quite smooth, extremely well balanced, and graceful.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays very tasty black cherry flavors with a hint of gentle oak and blueberry mixed into the background.\u00c2\u00a0 The finish is rather dry and its lengthy fine tannins go on and on and on.\u00c2\u00a0 <strong>There are only 395 cases <\/strong>of this beauty so get in line early.\u00c2\u00a0 It will be able to be consumed in the near term and like the Foleys, it would be perfect with a filet mignon.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"150\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Pina-Label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Pina\" height=\"83\" \/>The next two awesome Cabs received <strong>Excellent<\/strong> scores of <strong>94 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 The first offering is a Cab I covered a while ago.\u00c2\u00a0 It was the clear winner in our mini-blind tasting that I held last spring.\u00c2\u00a0 It may be the best <strong>Pina<\/strong> wine we have tried to date.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Pina-2007-Buckeye-Cabernet\" title=\"Pina-2007-Buckeye-Cabernet\">2007 Pina &#8220;Buckeye Vineyard&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$85 <\/strong>hails from Howell Mountain in Napa Valley.\u00c2\u00a0 It opens with an attractive red currant and red cherry bouquet with just a touch of earthiness in the background.\u00c2\u00a0 It was full-bodied, very nicely balanced, and ultra smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 Its flavors were a delicious blend of mild blackberry and black currant with a hint of chocolate.\u00c2\u00a0 It closes with dry and dusty tannins that pleasantly drift along and fade away.\u00c2\u00a0 We described this wine as a wine to &#8220;Wow&#8221; your friends.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"169\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Scarecrow-2007-Cabernet.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Scarecrow-2007-Cabernet\" height=\"165\" \/>The next <strong>Excellent Cab<\/strong> finished in second place in our high end blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Scarecrow-2007-Cabernet\" title=\"Scarecrow-2007-Cabernet\">2007 Scarecrow<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$225<\/strong> might be a bit tricky to find because of the perfect number that Robert Parker bestowed upon it.\u00c2\u00a0 This <strong>100% Cabernet Sauvignon<\/strong> opens with a fragrant and attractive black cherry and black raspberry bouquet with hints of menthol and vanilla oak.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, we found this wine to be medium-bodied, well balanced, and satiny.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel described it as having very tasty mild blackberry flavors with notes of plum and dark chocolate.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel also detected a dash of black pepper and a hint of oak as well.\u00c2\u00a0 It was quite complex.\u00c2\u00a0 It finished big with very dry sticky tannins that sail on for a very long time.\u00c2\u00a0 This special Cabernet was built for the Kobe Cap steak at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.grill23.com\/\" title=\"Grill-23-Boston\"><strong>Grill 23<\/strong><\/a>.\u00c2\u00a0 All you need now is a very very big bank account as the price of this wine has skyrocketed!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Caymus-2008-Cabernet.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Caymus-2008-Cabernet.gif\" height=\"206\" \/>The next grouping of Cabs and Cab-based blends all scored <strong>93 points<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Each one is rather impressive.\u00c2\u00a0 The first one comes from a prominent Napa producer.\u00c2\u00a0 The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Caymus-2008-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\" title=\"Caymus-2008-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\"><strong>2008 Caymus &#8220;Napa Valley&#8221; Cabernet<\/strong><\/a> for <strong>$68<\/strong> is different from many of the previous wines.\u00c2\u00a0 This offering is full-bodied, smooth, spicy and particularly fruit forward.\u00c2\u00a0 Those forward fruits consist of ripe and extracted blackberry with notes of black currant.\u00c2\u00a0 There is also some black pepper and spice mixed in as well.\u00c2\u00a0 In the end it closes with dry, fine tannins that are slightly prolonged.\u00c2\u00a0 We would suggest decanting this young Cab before serving it with a pepper encrusted New York strip steak.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"163\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Altus-2007-Blog.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Altus-2007Blog.gif\" height=\"195\" \/>The next wine was a newcomer to our Big Blind tasting and made quite a first impression.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Altus-2007\" title=\"Altus-2007\">2007 Altus<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$70 <\/strong>was tied for third place and comes in at a very reasonable price tag considering the price tag of the wines that finished near it.\u00c2\u00a0 This blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 4% Malbec, &amp; 5% Petit Verdot is put together by the same folks that make <strong>Merus<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This gem opens with a huge ripe blackberry bouquet with hints of cedar, eucalyptus, and blueberry.\u00c2\u00a0 In the mouth, it is full-bodied, very well balanced, and so smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 We all were impressed with its rich black cherry and black currant flavors enhanced by integrated mild oak and black pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 Its finish displayed moderate tannins that were slightly prolonged.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Tom-Eddy-2004-Napa-Cabernet.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Tom-Eddy-2004-Napa-Cabernet\" height=\"194\" \/>Next up is the <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Tom-Eddy-2004-Napa-Cabernet\" title=\"Tom-Eddy-2004-Napa-Cabernet\">2004 Tom Eddy &#8220;Napa Valley&#8221; Cabernet<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$90<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 Tom had a great run with his 2004&#8217;s .\u00c2\u00a0 If you recall we loved the <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Tom-Eddy-2004-Dr-Crane-Caberent\" title=\"Tom-Eddy-2004-Dr-Crane-Caberent\">2004 Dr Crane&#8217;s Cab<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>this spring.\u00c2\u00a0 This Napa offering is quite impressive in its own rights. It is full-bodied, well balanced, and incredibly smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 I loved its delicious gentle black raspberry flavors with notes of black cherry and a hint of plum.\u00c2\u00a0 There was also a touch of black licorice and oak in the background which added to its intrigue and complexity.\u00c2\u00a0 It closes with well managed, fine tannins that sail away so nicely.\u00c2\u00a0 I enjoyed this wine over 4 nights.\u00c2\u00a0 I savored every sip.<\/p>\n<p>Our final two <strong>93 pointers<\/strong> are examples of how a vintage impacts a wine.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong>2006<\/strong> versions of both these wines were all about\u00c2\u00a0rich flavors and bold tannins.\u00c2\u00a0 The 2007 versions are both much softer and more approachable now.\u00c2\u00a0 The first offering is for readers who really prefer finesse and elegance.\u00c2\u00a0 The <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Quintessa-2007\" title=\"Quintessa-2007\">2007 Quintessa Red Wine<\/a><\/strong> from Rutherford comes in at <strong>$140<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium to full-bodied, very well balanced, smooth, and silky.\u00c2\u00a0 It presents delicious black cherry and gentle black currant flavors on the palate.\u00c2\u00a0 There is also a touch of black pepper mixed in as well.\u00c2\u00a0 Its refined tannins are quite classy and would pair perfectly with braised Colorado lamb chops.<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Joseph-Phelps-2007-Insignia.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Joseph-Phelps-2007-Insignia\" height=\"141\" \/>\u00c2\u00a0 We close our <strong>93 pointers<\/strong> with the <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Joseph-Phelps-2007-Insignia\" title=\"Joseph-Phelps-2007-Insignia\">2007 Joseph Phelps &#8220;Insignia&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> for <strong>$225<\/strong>.\u00c2\u00a0 This almost black colored blend finished in third place in our big blind tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 It is comprised of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, &amp; 4% Petit Verdot.\u00c2\u00a0 It is surprisingly medium-bodied, very well balanced, creamy, and smooth.\u00c2\u00a0 The flavor profile is a gentle plum and mild black currant with notes of integrated dark chocolate.\u00c2\u00a0 The finish is very dry and its dusty tannins are well managed and show nice length.<\/p>\n<p>For our <strong>92 pointers<\/strong>we will give you a quick snipit to wet your whistle.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Joseph-Phelps-2007-Napa-Cabernet\" title=\"Joseph-Phelps-2007-Napa-Cabernet\">Joseph Phelps 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Napa Valley&#8221;<\/a> $54<br \/>\n<\/strong>This wine is full-bodied, nicely balanced, and smooth with gentle oak infused blueberry and black currant flavors. It is very food-friendly and went perfectly with beef bourguignon.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Merryvale-2007-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\" title=\"Merryvale-2007-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"89\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Merryvale-2007-Napa-Valley-Cab-label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Merryvale-2007-Napa-Valley-Cab\" height=\"122\" \/>Merryvale 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Napa Valley&#8221;<\/a> $65<br \/>\n<\/strong>This Cab from Merryvale is a sleeper in the high end range.\u00c2\u00a0 It brings similar quality when compared to many of the other High End Cabs, but at a lower price tag.\u00c2\u00a0 It is balanced, and shows plenty of upfront ripe fruit.\u00c2\u00a0 We enjoyed it tasty ripe blackberry and black currant flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 Serve with veal parmigianna.\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Von-Strasser-2007-Estate-Cabernet\" title=\"Von-Strasser-2007-Estate-Cabernet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Von-Strasser-2007-Spaulding-Cabernet.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Von-Strasser-2007-Spaulding-Cabernet\" height=\"181\" \/>Von Strasser 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Estate&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> (Diamond Mountain, CA) <strong>$70<\/strong><br \/>\nThis Cab opens with a fragrant cranberry and red currant bouquet with a hint of menthol.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied and smooth in the mouth.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays extracted and juicy black raspberry and licorice flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 <strong>Only 213 cases made<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Von-Strasser-2007-Spaulding-Cabernet\" title=\"Von-Strasser-2007-Spaulding-Cabernet\">Von Strasser 2007 Cab &#8220;Spaulding Vineyard&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> (Diamond Mountain) <strong>$80<\/strong><br \/>\nThis offering is full-bodied, very well balanced, and velvety with oak influenced plum flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 The finish is quite dry and its dusty tannins are quite grippe and show good length.\u00c2\u00a0 Serve it with a well marbled ribeye.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Red-Wine\" title=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Kendall-Jackson-2007-Trace-Ridge-Red-Wine\">Kendall Jackson 2007 &#8220;Trace Ridge Red Wine&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Knights Valley) <strong>$75<\/strong> 221 cases<br \/>\nThis red blend from <strong>Kendall Jackson<\/strong> opens with a very fragrant and attractive boysenberry bouquet that really draws you in. It is full-bodied, nicely balanced, and very fruit forward with tasty blueberry and mild raspberry flavors.<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"177\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Paul-Hobbs-2007-Napa-Valley-Cab-label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Paul-Hobbs-2007-Napa-Valley-Cab\" height=\"131\" \/><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Paul-Hobbs-2007-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\" title=\"Paul-Hobbs-2007-Napa-Valley-Cabernet\">Paul Hobbs 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Napa Valley&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0$75<br \/>\n<\/strong>This Cab is also full-bodied and very fruit forward.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel enjoyed its extracted black plum flavors with notes of black pepper, menthol, and black cherry mixed in. They suggested pairing it with a NY strip steak<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Pina-2007-D-Adamo-Cabernet\" title=\"Pina-2007-D-Adamo-Cabernet\">Pina 2007 Cabernet &#8220;D&#8217;Adamo&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley) <strong>$75<br \/>\n<\/strong>The panel was a bit split on this Cab.\u00c2\u00a0 Those who loved it, thought it was one of the top wines they covered\u00c2\u00a0all year.\u00c2\u00a0 The other half thought it was a very big wine with lots of potential, but needs some time.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium-bodied, silky, and luscious with very fruit forward and extracted blackberry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 Try some and you be the judge.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Tom-Eddy-2004-Meteor-Vineyard-Cabernet\" title=\"Tom-Eddy-2004-Meteor-Vineyard-Cabernet\">Tom Eddy 2004 Cabernet &#8220;Meteor Vineyard&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$115<br \/>\n<\/strong>This 100% Cab is full-bodied, balanced, and savory with delicious spicy black cherry flavors with hints of menthol and pepper.\u00c2\u00a0 It finishes with building moderate tannins. Pair with a New York strip steak<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Duckhorn-2006-The-Discussion\" title=\"Duckhorn-2006-The-Discussion\">Duckhorn 2006 &#8220;The Discussion&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$115<br \/>\n<\/strong>This wine did warrant a <strong>Discussion.<\/strong> It opens with a very inviting black raspberry and blueberry bouquet.\u00c2\u00a0 It was medium-bodied, very well balanced, and elegant.\u00c2\u00a0 We loved its delicious black cherry flavors with notes of blueberry and a hint of red currant and vanilla oak.\u00c2\u00a0 Its fine tannins make it food-friendly.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/D-R-Stephens-2007-Moose-Valley-Cabernet\" title=\"D-R-Stephens-2007-Moose-Valley-Cabernet\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"142\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/D-R-Stephens-2007-Moose-Valley-Cab-label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"D-R-Stephens-2007-Moose-Valley-Cab\" height=\"196\" \/>D.R. Stephens 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Moose Valley Vineyard&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$125<br \/>\n<\/strong>This Cab is full-bodied, slightly acidic, and displays savory fruit forward flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 Those flavors are black cherry, dark chocolate, and coffee with a touch of oak.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel suggested serving with beef bourguignon in the near term.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Chappellet-2007-Prichard-Hill-Cabernet\" title=\"Chappellet-2007-Prichard-Hill-Cabernet\">Chappellet 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Prichard Hill&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 (Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$136<br \/>\n<\/strong>This wine opens with a complex nose of mild black currant with hints of leather, eucalyptus, and black olive.\u00c2\u00a0 On the palate, it is very well balanced and suave with delicious gentle blackberry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 It finishes with a hint of heat and its moderate tannins are slightly prolonged.\u00c2\u00a0 The panel suggested pairing it with filet mignon.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Merryvale-2007-Profile\" title=\"Merryvale-2007-Profile\">Merryvale 2007\u00c2\u00a0&#8220;Profile&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$135<\/strong><br \/>\nThis red blend opens with a ripe blackberry bouquet with a hint of smoky oak.\u00c2\u00a0 It is full-bodied, slightly acidic, and displays a very lush mouthfeel.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays spicy blackberry and oak flavors with some rich dark chocolate noted as well.\u00c2\u00a0 It finishes with dusty tannins that are nicely extended.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Spotlight on 91 pointers that cost $50 or less:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Paul-Hobbs-2007-Crossbarn-Cabernet\" title=\"Paul-Hobbs-2007-Crossbarn-Cabernet\"><strong>Paul Hobbs 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Crossbarn&#8221;<\/strong><\/a>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA)\u00c2\u00a0<strong>$35<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>This wine is the best deal in the post!<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0 It was the winner of our first blind Cab tasting.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium to full-bodied, well balanced, smooth and silky with yummy black currant flavors with notes of black pepper and a hint of oak.\u00c2\u00a0 The\u00c2\u00a0panel suggested pairing this gem with the Kobe Cap steak at <strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.grill23.com\/\" title=\"Grill-23-Boston\">Grill 23<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Chappellet-2007-Signature-Cabernet\" title=\"Chappellet-2007-Signature-Cabernet\"><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"right\" width=\"180\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Chappellet-2007-Signature-Cab-label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Chappellet-2007-Signature-Cab\" height=\"193\" \/>Chappellet 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Signature&#8221;<\/strong> <\/a>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$42<\/strong><br \/>\nThe little brother to the Prichard Hill listed above.\u00c2\u00a0 It is medium-bodied, balanced, and savory with very tasty black currant and black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 It is food-friendly and above average for the price point.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Thelema-2007-Cabernet-Sauvignon\" title=\"Thelema-2007-Cabernet-Sauvignon\">Thelema 2007 Cabernet<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Stellenbosch, SA) <strong>$41<\/strong><br \/>\nThis Cab from <strong>South Africa<\/strong>finished in second place in our big blind Cab tasting of mid-tier priced Cabs.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays smoky oak flavors with notes of black cherry and black currant mixed in.\u00c2\u00a0 Pair with beef bourguignon.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Beaulieu-2006-Tapestry-Reserve\" title=\"Beaulieu-2006-Tapestry-Reserve\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" border=\"1\" vspace=\"3\" align=\"left\" width=\"80\" src=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/images_wine\/Beaulieu-2006-Tapestry-Reserve-label.gif\" hspace=\"5\" alt=\"Beaulieu-2006-Tapestry-Reserve\" height=\"139\" \/>Beaulieu Vineyard 2006 &#8220;Tapestry Reserve&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$50<\/strong><br \/>\nThis red blend from <strong>BV<\/strong> is medium-bodied, balanced, and fruit forward.\u00c2\u00a0 It is tasty with spicy black cherry flavors with hints black pepper and black raspberry. Our entire table really enjoyed it with our steaks at dinner so we ordered another bottle!<\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Carol-Shelton-2007-Rockpile-Reserve-Cabernet\" title=\"Carol-Shelton-2007-Rockpile-Reserve-Cabernet\">Carol Shelton 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Rockpile Reserve&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Rockpile, CA) <strong>$50<\/strong><br \/>\nThis new Cab from <strong>Carol Shelton<\/strong> is almost pitch black.\u00c2\u00a0 It displays very tasty black cherry flavors.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 It is very food-friendly and goes down easily.\u00c2\u00a0 It did not last long and paired well with Roy&#8217;s prime rib.<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>Other 91 pointers that cost more than $50<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Krupp-Brothers-2006-Veraison-Stagecoach-Cabernet\" title=\"Krupp-Brothers-2006-Veraison-Cabernet\">Krupp Brothers 2006 Cabernet &#8220;Veraison &#8211; Stagecoach Vineyard&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$60<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Sebastiani-2007-Cherryblock-Cabernet\" title=\"Sebastiani-2007-Cherryblock-Cabernet\">Sebastiani 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Cherryblock&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Sonoma Valley, CA) <strong>$75<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/J-Davies-2007-Cabernet\" title=\"J-Davies-2007-Cabernet\">J. Davies 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Diamond Mountain&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(CA) <strong>$75<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Darioush-2007-Signature-Cabernet\" title=\"Darioush-2007-Signature-Cabernet\">Darioush 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Signature&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$80<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Lail-2007-J-Daniel-Cuvee\" title=\"Lail-2007-J-Daniel-Cuvee\">Lail 2007 Cabernet &#8220;J. Daniel Cuvee&#8221;<\/a> <\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$125<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><u>We wrap up with the 90 Pointers<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Bella-Vetta-2007-Amis-Vineyard-Cabernet\" title=\"Bella-Vetta-2007-Amis-Vineyard-Cabernet\">Bella Vetta 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Ami&#8217;s Vineyard&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> (Howell Mountain, CA)\u00c2\u00a0<strong>$35<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Kuleto-Estate-2006-Cabernet-Sauvignon\" title=\"Kuleto-Estate-2006-Cabernet-Sauvignon\">Kuleto Estate 2006 Cabernet\u00c2\u00a0&#8220;Napa Valley&#8221;<\/a><\/strong> (CA) <strong>$50<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/D-R-Stephens-2007-DR-II-Cabernet\" title=\"D-R-Stephens-2007-DR-II-Cabernet\">D.R. Stephens 2007 Cabernet &#8220;DRII&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$65<br \/>\n<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Charles-Krug-2006-Vintage-Selection-Cabernet\" title=\"Charles-Krug-2006-Vintage-Selection-Cabernet\">Charles Krug 2006 Cabernet &#8220;Vintage Selection&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$69<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Swanson-2007-Alexis-Cabernet\" title=\"Swanson-2007-Alexis-Cabernet\">Swanson 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Alexis&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$75<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0<br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/St-Supery-2006-Dollarhide-Cabernet\" title=\"St-Supery-2006-Dollarhide-Cabernet\">St. Supery 2006 Cabernet &#8220;Dollarhide&#8221;<\/a><\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$85<br \/>\n<\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/D-R-Stephens-2007-Walther-River-Block-Cabernet\" title=\"D-R-Stephens-2007-Walther-River-Block-Cabernet\"><strong>D.R. Stephens 2007 Cabernet &#8220;Walther River Block&#8221;<\/strong><\/a>\u00c2\u00a0(Napa Valley, CA) <strong>$105<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/wine_review\/Tom-Eddy-2005-Meteor-Vineyards-Cabernet-Sauvignon\" title=\"Tom-Eddy-2005-Meteor-Cabernet\">Tom Eddy 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon &#8220;Meteor Vineyards&#8221;<\/a>\u00c2\u00a0<\/strong>(Napa Valley, CA)\u00c2\u00a0<strong>$115<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We hope you enjoy exploring these High End treats as much as we did.\u00c2\u00a0 If you are going to splurge, you should be drinking the very best.\u00c2\u00a0 We are certain you will enjoy these winners!<\/p>\n<p>Cheers &#8211; Ken<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This year&#8217;s Mid-Priced Cabernets, High-End Cabs, and Cab-based\u00c2\u00a0blends fell into\u00c2\u00a0two categories.\u00c2\u00a0 The first category, were wines with elevated acidity and lots of forward fruit flavors.\u00c2\u00a0 The second category, were wines with very high tannin levels and muted fruit offerings.\u00c2\u00a0 Overall, regardless of the style, we discovered some very impressive wines.\u00c2\u00a0 In this report we will [&hellip;]<\/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":[140,18,139,88,143,11,137,142,135,138,134,141,136,7,126,8,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-altus","category-cabernet-sauvignon","category-caymus-cabernet","category-high-end-wines","category-insignia","category-kens-wine-guide-tasting-panel","category-pina-buckeye","category-quintessa","category-robert-foley-claret","category-scarecrow","category-shafer-hillside-select","category-tom-eddy","category-trace-ridge","category-wine-gifts","category-wine-ratings","category-wine-recommendations","category-wine-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77","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=77"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=77"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=77"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kenswineguide.com\/blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=77"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}