94
points
Ehlers Estate 2005 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)
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$95
A gorgeous Cabernet that shows a wonderful, central Napa Valley character. Not as firm as Oakville or as dusty as Rutherford, St. Helena’s reputation is emerging as a softer, lusher and more directly appealing source of Cab. Ehler’s ’05 “1886” bottling is rich and textured, with black and red currant, cherry pie, chocolate, anise, mint and cedar flavors that are as…
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
93
points
Ehlers Estate 2007 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon (St. Helena)
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$95
This is the winery’s top bottling from the estate vineyard, off Highway 29 in St. Helena. Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows the variety’s blackberry and cherry flavors, with notes of violets and milk chocolate. New oak to the tune of 70% adds a rich, caramelly smokiness. Very delicious, and should develop for a few years, although the softness limits longterm…
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
93
points
Ehlers Estate 2007 Merlot (St. Helena)
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
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$45
A spectacular Merlot that could help resurrect this variety’s reputation. It’s as complex as anything from Napa, but is softer and more accessible than a Cabernet Sauvignon, which constitutes 8% of the blend. Shows ripe flavors of red cherry pie filling, raspberries and cola, almost like a Pinot Noir, except for the black currants that must come from the Cab, and…
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)
92
points
Ehlers Estate 2005 Estate Cabernet Franc (St. Helena)
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$45
Ehlers has a solid track record with Cab Franc, and here’s another one. The ’05 shows firm, rich tannins that frame complex flavors of black and red cherries, red currants, chocolate, anise and cedar. Delicious and elegant now, and should hold for up to five years.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
90
points
Ehlers Estate 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (St. Helena)
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$28
Made with no oak, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc shows the way the variety’s flavors develop in the winery’s estate vineyard in St. Helena. Those totally dry flavors are of Meyer lemons, lemongrass, melons, golden mangoes and perfectly ripe pears, and they are boosted by mouthwateringly crisp acidity. A lovely wine that shows how well Sauvignon Blanc can do in Napa’s…
— S.H.
(11/1/2010)