99
points
Trefethen 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
-
$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)
97
points
Trefethen 2005 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Oak Knoll)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
-
$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)
94
points
Blackbird Vineyards 2009 Arise Red (Oak Knoll)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
-
$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)
93
points
Trefethen 2007 Merlot (Oak Knoll)
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$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)
92
points
Surh Luchtel 2005 Page Nord Vineyard Syrah (Oak Knoll)
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$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)