Livermore Valley Wine Reviews, Ratings & Regions

95

points

Steven Kent 2007 Ghielmetti Vineyard Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Price $100

There’s a beautiful wine in here, but it’s buried under tannins. Also, the fruit is all primary blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and cherry jam, while the oak stands to the side, insistent in vanilla and toast. Nothing has merged, everything is separated. Yet this is a great wine, easily the greatest Cabernet to emerge from Livermore Valley in memory. Beautiful now… — S.H. (9/1/2010)

94

points

Lineage 2008 Ghielmetti Estate Vineyard Red (Livermore Valley)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $135

The second vintage of Steven Kent’s lovely, lofty Lineage, impressive in its Kingly bottle, is as ambitious as last year’s, a sumptious blend of 81% Cabernet Sauvignon (three different clones), 9% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Merlot. Its red fruit is prominent, the wine high-toned, succulent with cherry and pomegranate. Integrated and… — V.B. (2/1/2012)

94

points

Lineage 2007 Red (Livermore Valley)

Price $125

Though it’s a huge tannic monster right now, this Bordeaux blend, a first release and new brand name from Steven Kent Winery, is an ode to Steven Kent Mirassou’s family’s long lineage in California winemaking and the roots of Livermore’s history in wine as well. A majority Cabernet (75%), with all the lush cassis and black cherry one would hope for, the wine shows… — V.B. (7/1/2011)

93

points

Fleming Jenkins 2007 Madden Ranch Syrah (Livermore Valley)

Price $40

A massive Syrah that impresses for sheer volume. It’s full-bodied and rich in blackberries, black currants, bacon, black pepper, anise and smoky oak, folded into thick, ripe tannins. Tastes juicy and fresh now, perfect for a grilled steak, and should develop for up to five years before losing its fruit. — S.H. (4/1/2010)

93

points

Steven Kent 2007 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Online Exclusive

Price $45

This is a beautiful, intricate and appealing Cabernet to drink with upscale fare, like a very fine steak. It’s bone dry, but very rich and sweet in blackberry, cherry and currant fruit, and there’s a nice cut of acidity for balance. Steven Kent is producing today’s greatest Livermore Cabernets, wines that hearken back to the valley’s roots as one of California’s… — S.H. (12/31/2010)

93

points

Fenestra 2007 Estate Mourvèdre (Livermore Valley)

Price $25

Fenestra is making a boatload of small-production varieties from Livermore and Lodi, this one from its estate in the Livermore Valley where it’s pulled off a stunning version of Mourvèdre, fairly low in alcohol (13.9%) and yet surprising with a black pepper nose, hint of maple, blackberry and baked plum that’s drinking great right now. — V.B. (8/1/2011)

93

points

Steven Kent 2007 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Cellar Selection
Online Exclusive

Price $60

Give this Cabernet some time in the cellar. Right now, it’s a little tough in acids and tannins, although the blackberry, cherry, black currant and smoky oak flavors are rich and fine and enjoyable now. But it should soften and be even more approachable after 2013. — S.H. (12/31/2010)

93

points

Steven Kent 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Price $45

Steven Kent Mirassou is practically single-handedly reviving Livemore Valley’s historic reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine shows a wonderfully lush structure and impeccable tannins, framing slightly herbal, dusty flavors of blackberries, blueberries, cherries and cedar. Really fine, and a superb accompaniment for rich meats and cheeses. — S.H. (8/1/2009)

Livermore Valley Wines

Steven Kent 2007 Ghielmetti Vineyard Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Lineage 2008 Ghielmetti Estate Vineyard Red (Livermore Valley)

Lineage 2007 Red (Livermore Valley)

Fleming Jenkins 2007 Madden Ranch Syrah (Livermore Valley)

Steven Kent 2007 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Fenestra 2007 Estate Mourvèdre (Livermore Valley)

Steven Kent 2007 Ghielmetti Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

Steven Kent 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Livermore Valley)

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2008 Rodney Strong Reserve