93
points
Picazo 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
-
$125
Seems very well made, with impressive flavors of blackberries and black currants, touched with smoky oak, and encased in firm tannins. Texture and balance are everything in these Cabs, and this wine is not lacking in either. The tannic astringency strongly suggests midterm aging, through 2013, at least.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)
92
points
Picazo 2006 Estate Merlot (Livermore Valley)
-
$80
Easily the best Merlot from Livermore Valley in memory, which is not a back-handed compliment. It’s a bone dry, tannic wine stuffed with complex, interesting fruit, currant, herb, tobacco and cedar flavors. Really very fine, and drinkable now despite the tannins. Its longterm future is controversial, though, so open over the next 3 years.
— S.H.
(7/1/2010)