Published in August 2012

Over 1200 wines reviewed, including a [c:cardinale-2008-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-valley:97-Pt Napa Cab]!

August 2012 Featured Collections

Burgundian Beauties Prosecco-Palooza California Cabs and Blends Online Exclusives

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points

Cardinale 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $250

Another fabulous Cardinale, better than the 2007 but short of the perfect 2006. This is so complete; it tastes like Cabernet on a cloud, light but ethereal, with ripe, polished blackberry and cherry flavors and touches of mocha, spice and cedar. The tannins are a wonder—soft and pliant—yet gorgeously complex. Drink now-2016, at least. — S.H. (8/1/2012)

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Celani Family Vineyards 2008 Ardore Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $195

Young and succulent, this is fresh, with ripe flavors of blackberries, cassis, chocolate and herb, with a toasty overlay of oak. Powerful, but not overbearing, this shows an internal coherence that lifts it to a high level of elegant complexity. As good as it is, it will benefit from 8-12 years in a proper cellar. — S.H. (8/1/2012)

points

Rochioli 2010 West Block Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $100

We can quibble over whether the cherries are red or black, or if it’s persimmons or pomegranates, or if the mushrooms are fresh or sautéed, but that’s the point. This wine is so complex, it initiates discussion. Fine acidity and rich tannins provide structure, and although the wine is silky enough to enjoy now, you really want to give it 6–8 years. — S.H. (8/1/2012)

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Lindemans Cuvée René Grand Cru Gueuze Lambic Beer

Price $11

The Cuvée René is one of the top examples of the traditional Gueuze style. Hazy and dark yellow in the glass. The bouquet leads with a distinct tart, barnyard character from the Brettanomyces, supported by aromas of lemon and puckering green apple. The palate is just as one would anticipate from the nose: mouthwatering citrus and pear skin laced with hints of hay… — L.B. (8/1/2012)

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Riglos 2009 Gran Corte Las Divas Vineyard Red (Tupungato)

Editors' Choice

Price $50

This wine takes you on a trip to an outer wine world where deep, cushioned berry aromas come with exotic perfumes, bath oils and crushed flower petals. It’s ultrasaturated and jammy, but not clunky or heavy. This tastes like a storm of blackberry, espresso and Swiss chocolate, while black spices and length bring up the rear. A blend of 50% Malbec, 40% Cabernet… — M.S. (8/1/2012)

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Ridge 2009 Estate Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Santa Cruz Mountains)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $40

This Cabernet-Merlot blend is packed with blackberry and crème de cassis, with a firm minerality. With the weight of the middle palate and the long, spicy finish, it’s especially attractive, although it's also quite tannic. The only difference between this Estate Monte Bello Cabernet and Ridge's Monte Bello Estate Cabernet ($150; note the difference in the… — S.H. (8/1/2012)

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Snowden 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $80

This Cabernet takes its place among Napa’s top tier. Bone dry and nobly structured, it shows firm tannins and bracing acidity, framing classic blackberry and currant flavors. Should come into its own after 2015. — S.H. (8/1/2012)

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Quinta do Vale Meão 2009 Red (Douro)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $75

With its concentration and dark tannins, this is a wine that will need many years of aging. It is a serious combination of great style and great power. From one of the top Douro vineyards, this is a wine with an impressive, long-lasting sense of presence. — R.V. (8/1/2012)

2010 Buehler Estate

A pretty, polished and tasty wine for drinking now. Made from 100%…

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