Selene

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Selene 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Cellar Selection

Price $70

From Mia Klein, this is a seriously good Cabernet Sauvignon, even better than the winery’s fine 2004. It shows a great balance of ripe tannins and fine acidity, with a judicious application of smoky oak. The flavors, of black currants and ripe mashed black cherries, have complex overtones of dark chocolate, olive tapenade and mushu plum sauce. Gorgeous now, and… — S.H. (4/1/2009)

points

Selene 2007 Dead Fred Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)

Price $50

The palate can tell a superbly structured Cabernet from a flawed one, and this Cab shows off its pedigreed origins with flash. Great tannins, fine acidity, fully dry, and with a rich veneer of oak, it has perfectly ripened flavors of blackberries, currants, cherries and dark chocolate. — S.H. (9/1/2010)

points

Selene 2003 Hyde Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Carneros)

Editors' Choice

Price $22

Plenty going on here. The nose is more oblique than fruity, with herb, anise, vanilla bean and baked apple. Unexpectedly crisp and stony on the palate, with bright, full-force pineapple, yellow apple and stone fruits. Not heavy, and finishes clean. A lively, balanced wine. Excellent for the region. — W.E. (7/1/2005)

points

Selene 2005 Hyde Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Carneros)

Editors' Choice

Price $26

What a rich wine this is. It shows ripe varietal character in the tangerine, fig and cantaloupe flavors, but more than that, a white Bordeaux-inspired interventionist technique brings a leesy, oaky creaminess. Add to that refreshingly crisp Carneros acidity, and the bottom line is great Sauvignon Blanc. — S.H. (10/1/2006)

points

Selene 2006 Hyde Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Carneros)

Online Exclusive

Price $27

A very fashionable Sauvignon Blanc. It takes the basic architecture of crisp acidity and dry, spicy citrus and fig fruit and boosts it to levels of true elegance and sophistication. Leaves a long, impressive finish that makes you want another sip. — S.H. (11/1/2007)

points

Selene 2008 Hyde Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc (Carneros)

Editors' Choice

Price $27

This is quite a rich, fashionable Sauvignon Blanc. It hails from a well-regarded vineyard on the Napa side of the appellation, and was lees-aged in 30% new oak, with the rest in stainless steel. The malolactic fermentation was prevented, resulting in savory, apple-crisp acidity. The wine is rich in green apple, Meyer lemon, lime and gooseberry flavors that finish… — S.H. (12/15/2009)

points

Selene 2007 Frediani Vineyard Merlot (Napa Valley)

Price $35

A delicious, complex Merlot, although all the parts haven’t come together and it needs time in the cellar. It’s extraordinarily rich in oak-inspired black cherries, red currants, violets, cocoa, spices and sweet sandalwood, and it should develop nuance and bottle bouquet after 2012. — S.H. (3/1/2010)

points

Selene 2005 Chesler Red (Napa Valley)

Price $50

This is an unusual blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. At the age of nearly five years, it’s already throwing some sediment, but is still superfruity, offering an explosion of raspberries, cherries and currants. The oak remains unintegrated, and as a result the wine is jammy and direct. But that’s now. It has the inherent sweetness and balance to age for another… — S.H. (9/1/2010)

Most Reviewed Designations

Chesler Dead Fred Vineyard Frediani Vineyard Hyde Vineyard Hyde Vineyards

Most Reviewed Varietals

Bordeaux-style Red Blend Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sauvignon Blanc

2009 Mira Hyde Vineyard

The esteemed Hyde Vineyard is in Carneros, and is the source for some…

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