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Oak Knoll Wines

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Trefethen 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll)

Cellar Selection
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Price $100

This is nearly perfect, a massive, monumental wine whose sheer power is matched only by its grace and refinement. The flavors of blackberries, cassis, dark chocolate, buttered toast and cedar flood the mouth, tightly controlled by firm tannins and good acidity. Decant for several hours if you open it now, but better to give it 6–10 years in the bottle. — S.H. (4/1/2010)

Trefethen 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll)

Cellar Selection
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Price $50

A monumental Cabernet that succeeds on every level. It’s deep, dark and ultrarich, showing massive blackberries, black currants, dark chocolate, violets, minerals and a touch of sweet, smoky oak. Beyond the flavors is the dramatic structure, with fabulously ripe, dense tannins and a bone-dry, long finish. Surely a tremendous wine capable of long-term aging. Try… — S.H. (4/1/2010)

Ideology Cellars 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll)

Editors' Choice

Price $39

Enthusiast 100 2011

Score Chasers: USA 2011

Although this Cab is too young and tannic to drink now, it’s impressive for its volume and depth, as well as the future possibilities. Shows a huge core of blackberries, currants and cassis, with a mineral tang and near-perfect oak application. Grows more complex and generous as it breathes in the glass. Give it 4–5 years in the cellar to soften and mellow. — S.H. (5/1/2011)

Blackbird Vineyards 2009 Arise Red (Oak Knoll)

Editors' Choice
Online Exclusive

Price $50

A glorious wine. Based on Merlot, with nearly equal parts of the two Cabernets, it’s softly smooth and delicious right now. Totally bone dry, yet rich and sweet in cherries, berries, chocolate and cedar, it satisfies on every level. Expensive, yes, but a relative bargain for a great Napa wine. — S.H. (12/31/2011)

Trefethen 2007 Merlot (Oak Knoll)

Editors' Choice

Price $35

Easily one of the best Napa Valley Merlots out there. The cool vintage and southerly valley origins have played a role in giving a firm, dry structure to the cherry, currant, olive, mushu plum sauce and herb flavors. A quality wine, distinctive and complex, and for the price, a relative value. — S.H. (3/1/2011)

Blackbird Vineyards 2008 Illustration Red (Oak Knoll)

Price $90

Lush, smooth and complex, this Merlot-based blend seems capable of a little development in the cellar. It’s pretty tannic, although the cherry fruit is sweet and bright. Try holding for a year or two, but if you pop the cork now, give the wine a few hours of decanting. — S.H. (12/31/2011)

Surh Luchtel 2005 Page Nord Vineyard Syrah (Oak Knoll)

Price $30

Cab specialist Surh Luchtel has had some years to figure out how to make their Page Nord Syrah, and judging by this ’05 bottling, they’re right on track. The wine is firmer in structure than the soft ’04, but the flavors are no less startling. Blackberries, cherries, currants, chocolate and pepper flood the palate, wrapped into sumptuous tannins. Best now and for a… — S.H. (6/1/2008)

Merryvale 2007 Merlot (Oak Knoll)

Price $48

A dry, classy Merlot that will develop bottle complexity for a few years. There are beautiful tannins on this well-made wine; if you drink it now, decant to let it breathe, soften and allow the cherry, red currant, dried herb and oak flavors to emerge. — S.H. (3/1/2011)

Most Reviewed Varietals [All]

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Chardonnay Merlot Pinot Noir Red Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Riesling Rosé Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah Viognier

2010 Quady Essensia

Absolutely delicious, an addictive dessert wine. Brisk in acidity and…

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