Claret
Showing 1 thru -9 of 23
Pride Mountain 2006 Reserve Claret (Sonoma-Napa)
- Cellar Selection
- $125
The Merlot that dominates this wine shows in the wealth of red and black cherries, but one-third Cabernet Sauvignon contributes its telltale signature of blackberries and black currants. New oak, however, dominates in the wine’s youth, giving caramel and roasted marshmallow flavors. Very fine, very concentrated and intense, and in need of cellaring. Give it until…
— S.H.
(5/1/2010)
Pride Mountain 2007 Reserve Claret (Sonoma-Napa)
- $125
This is a big, hard, tannic wine. It’s so buttoned up, the question is whether it will age. Most of the signs say yes. It’s gigantically rich in blackberries, cassis and chocolate, with a berried sweetness accented by the caramel of toasted oak. Acidity is just fine. On the other hand, the alcohol is notable, giving it peppery heat. A very fine, flashy, impressive…
— S.H.
(8/1/2011)
Pride Mountain 2008 Reserve Claret (Napa-Sonoma)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $130
Few Bordeaux-style wines in California are as ripe and bold as this, but that’s the Pride style. The wine explodes in spicy blackberry, currant and cherry fruit, almost like punch, while oak adds toasty notes. A heady wine, it’s also brutally firm in tannins. It’s a little warm in alcohol, but that shouldn’t keep it from aging for at least eight years—and maybe longer.
— S.H.
(7/1/2012)
Robert Karl 2007 Claret (Horse Heaven Hills)
- Editors' Choice
- $20
Rich, smooth and balanced, with the sort of dusty chocolate mouthfeel generally associated with much pricier Bordeaux blends, this is the winery’s salute to the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. A five-grape blend, loaded with cherry pie fruit flavors, it finishes with a streak of mocha and caramel woven through fine-grained tannins.
— P.G.
(5/1/2010)
Robert Karl 2008 Claret (Horse Heaven Hills)
- Online Exclusive
- $20
This is a delicious rendition of the annual Claret blend. It includes all five Bordeaux grapes, and displays a generous burst of berries and cherries, followed with a swish of chocolate. The wine delivers the goods, mixing in darker fruits, coffee and licorice streaks, winding into a lightly herbal, tannic finish.
— P.G.
(7/1/2011)
Del Rio 2009 Claret (Rogue Valley)
- $35
A very nicely composed blend of 52% Merlot, 32% Malbec and 16% Cabernet Sauvignon. It works well, and there is complexity also—a textural weaving of spice, herb, berry, rock and tannins. Good concentration and a hint of clove in the aftertaste.
— P.G.
(10/1/2011)
Basel Cellars 2008 Estate Claret (Walla Walla Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $20
A step forward in this vintage, with a pretty nose offering blackberry and truffle notes. Flavors are a mix of fruit and herb, dried leaf, tea and cherry tobacco. It grabs your attention, then thins out a bit too quickly in the finish. But lots of potential, and probably a good chance to improve over the next couple of years.
— P.G.
(7/1/2011)
Newton 2009 Red Label Claret (Napa County)
- Online Exclusive
- $25
Easy to like for its rich blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors, and the lovely coating of new oak, which brings sweet notes of toast and vanilla. The price isn’t bad, considering you get real Napa elegance.
— S.H.
(4/1/2012)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 23
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