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Search Flickinger Wine Inventory
Inventory updated: Sun, Apr 26, 2026 10:44 AM cst
Your search criteria:
Regions: USA Red
Vintages: Between 2006 and 2006
| Producer |
Vint. |
Wine |
Price |
Qty |
Order |
| | USA Red |
| 21 Grams |
2006 |
Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon  |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (11/2009): Dark red. Plum, redcurrant, tobacco and strong cedary oak on the nose. Dense and chewy but bright, with very good intensity to the flavors of redcurrant, plum, raspberry and nutty oak. Harmonious acidity gives the fruit a penetrating quality and helps it absorb its strong layer of oak. Finishes supple, smooth and long, with lovely sweetness. Very well done: I note that I rated this wine ahead of the cabernet bottlings from both Waters and Gramercy Cellars. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Alban Vineyards |
2006 |
Reva Alban Estate Syrah |
$200 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 100 (8/2010): The 2006 Syrah Reva, coming from parcels of dark, volcanic soil, has off-the-chart richness and intensity. This thick, opaque-purple colored wine offers up notes of scorched earth, ground pepper, and blackberry liqueur intermixed with cassis, licorice, camphor, and tar. The wine is spectacular in every sense. Full-bodied and certainly not for wimps, this is a remarkably concentrated yet very nuanced and intense wine that should age for 20 more years.
JD 98 (11/2010): Truly extraordinary, the 2006 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard is a jaw dropping Syrah, sporting rich, full aromatics of smoky dark fruits, steak tartare, tapenade, and licorice. These carry over to the palate where the wine is perfectly built, possessing awesome concentration, solid, almost burly structure, and a phenomenal texture that coats the palate, but at the same time, stays light, fresh, and clean. I’m a huge fan, and while delicious now, I’ve no doubt this will continue to drink well for 15 to 20 years.
VM 94+ (11/2010): Glass-staining purple. Blackberry, boysenberry and licorice pastille on the nose, with mounting spice and floral notes and a strong wallop of cracked pepper. Deeply pitched black and blue fruit flavors expand with air and pick up strong spicecake and candied flower notes, along with velvety tannins. More backward than the Lorraine today, and showing a darker profile. The finish completely stains the palate and lingers with intense floral and spicy persistence. This is still a baby. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Alpha Omega |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend Signed Bottle |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2009): The Outstanding 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits sweet plum, black currant, coffee, and chocolate notes intertwined with notions of herbs and new oak. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and impressively textured with good length, it should drink well for 10-12 years. |
|
| Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards |
2006 |
Eloge Proprietary Blend |
$85 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95+ (12/2009): The 2006 Eloge’s dark plum/ruby color is followed by a sweet kiss of plum, black cherry, earth, licorice, and spice box, a medium to full-bodied wine, abundant tannin, and impressive concentration, purity, and overall complexity. Reasonably evolved, and extremely seductive aromatically, with a slightly structured finish, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. It is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Merlot. |
|
|
2006 |
Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$89 |
5 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2009): The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Right Bank Proprietary Blend |
$95 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2009): The unfined, unfiltered 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spends two years in French oak and another year in the bottle before being released. This cuvee has a long track record of aging (the 1990 and 1991 are still going strong). The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 offers notes of new saddle leather, black currants, autumnal vegetation/forest floor, cassis, and cherries, superb richness, and a full-bodied, powerful finish. Cellar it for 5-6 years, and drink it over the following 25 years. |
|
| Anthill |
2006 |
Abbey-Harris Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2008): Deep red. Sexy strawberry, raspberry and blood orange on the nose, along with Asian spices and smoky minerals. Deeper-pitched on the palate, offering supple red and dark berry liqueur flavors, with energetic, spicy minerality adding vivacity. For such richness of fruit this is almost shockingly lithe and precise. Finishes with serious grip, juiciness and persistence. Pretty stunning stuff. Josh Raynolds.
BH 92 (10/2008): The nose immediately serves notice that you're on to something special here with its airy spice infused red and blue pinot fruit aromas that possess real depth as well as a beguiling touch of violets where the latter element can also be found on the rich, focused, sweet and intense flavors that, exactly like the 2005 so amply demonstrated, exude a clear sense of place, all wrapped in a dusty, pure, energetic and impressively long finish. In particular, I really like the mouth feel and it reminds me a bit of the Demuth in this sense as the vinification found the sweet spot between perfect extraction and the supporting elements. Terrific and absolutely recommended. (Drink starting 2012) |
|
| Arnot-Roberts |
2006 |
Clajeux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Aubert |
2006 |
UV-SL Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$95 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Beau Vigne |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): Absolutely profound is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which clearly puts Beau Vigne alongside the Shafer Hillside Select Cabernet as one of the stars of Stags Leap. A wine of great intensity, exceptional power, and admirable grace as well as equilibrium, this full-bodied 2006 offers beautifully sweet creme de cassis, licorice, spice box, and toasty oak characteristics. Multidimensional, with a layered mid-palate, and a finish that lasts 45+ seconds, it will benefit from some bottle age, although it is accessible enough to be drunk now. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. This small boutique operation (nine acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and one acre of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot) sits on a knoll in the Stags Leap viticultural area. Although somewhat under the radar among the top Napa producers, Beau Vigne’s offerings are very impressive. |
|
| Behrens Family (Erna Schein) |
2006 |
Homage to Ed Oliveira Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$30 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (12/2008): Another brilliant effort from Lisa and Les Behrens is the 2006 Homage to Ed Oliviera Alder Sp rings Vineyard. This 300-case cuvee of 84% Syrah and 16% Petite Sirah displays black and blue fruits, raspberries, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, and wet stones. Dense, full-bodied, lush, and succulent, revealing oodles of fruit and glycerin as well as a hedonistic, blockbuster, fruit-driven style, it should age effortlessly for 5-10 years. |
|
| Betz Family Winery |
2006 |
Clos de Betz Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
4 |
|
| |
VM 93+ (12/2008): (a blend of 52% merlot; 30% cabernet sauvignon, 13% cabernet franc and 5% malbec) Bright red-ruby color. Subdued but pure and highly complex nose features candied cherry and red berries, brown spices, flowers and sexy dried herbs. Wonderfully silky and subtle on entry, then juicy and sharply delineated but quite closed in the middle, with terrific acidity and a strong spice character contributing to the impression of purity and lift. The note of cherry candy follows through on the palate. I'd give this youthfully tight wine five years in the cellar. Incidentally, winemaker Bob Betz told me that as of 2008 there will be no cabernet franc or malbec in this cuvee.
WA 93 (12/2008): The Bordeaux-styled wines start with the 2006 Clos de Betz, a blend of 61% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Cabernet Franc and Malbec. It was aged for 16 months in 70% new French oak. Purple/black in color, it reveals a fragrant nose of pain grille, pencil lead, scorched earth, black cherry, blackberry, and plum. This leads to a smooth-textured, intense, layered wine with superb depth and concentration and enough stuffing to evolve for 4-6 years. It will reach its peak by 2012 and remain at that level through 2026. |
|
| Bond |
2006 |
Pluribus Bin-Soiled Label |
$375 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 96 (6/2009): Saturated bright ruby. Black fruits, mocha and a whiff of truffle on the rather clenched, slightly porty nose. Plush, sweet and large-scaled, but with almost surprising vinosity giving shape to the flavors of dark berries, coffee, mocha and iron. A huge wine with Outstanding palate-staining persistence. The major tannins spread out to saturate every square millimeter of the palate.
WA 94 (12/2009): The 2006 E Pluribus, like all of these Cabernet Sauvignons, is youthful, with an opaque purple color and a big, sweet nose of blueberry liqueur intermixed with spring flowers and wet rocks. Full-bodied, powerful, and backward, with sweet tannin but formidable structure, this wine needs to be cellared for 4-5 years and drunk over the following 25 years. |
|
| Boudreaux Cellars |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 90 (12/2012): The Boudreaux 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon - sourced from nine disparate and prestigious vineyards all mentioned in small print on the front label - was wisely moved to wooden tank after its second year in barrique lest the tannins of this high-heat vintage become too drying. As it is, a faint drying spot does creep into the finish, but as with a number of Boudreaux wines I tasted, the positive flavors outlast that; and there is sappy primary fruit retention by way of classic dark cherry and cassis. Alkali, smoky black tea, peat and red licorice complement that fruit character on the nose as well as on a surprisingly polished, expansive palate. A note of tar or asphalt in the finish makes me think "Syrah?" I would plan on enjoying this rather unusual wine over the next year or two, notwithstanding how well the corresponding 2003 - from a vintage Newsome calls "along similar lines" - shows when tasted alongside. |
|
| Brick House |
2006 |
Le Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2016): After ten years, the 2006 Pinot Noir les Dijonnais appears to have a more youthful visage compared to the 2007. The nose is well defined with black cherries, iodine and oyster shell aromas that unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity, quite structured in the mouth, the tannins exerting an insistent grip, very saline towards the finish that delivers both a pastille-like purity and a twist of bitterness. This is an intriguing ten-year-old wine that should continue to give drinking pleasure over the next 6-10 years. |
|
|
2006 |
Le Dijonnais Ribbon Ridge Pinot Noir Torn Label |
$30 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (6/2016): After ten years, the 2006 Pinot Noir les Dijonnais appears to have a more youthful visage compared to the 2007. The nose is well defined with black cherries, iodine and oyster shell aromas that unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity, quite structured in the mouth, the tannins exerting an insistent grip, very saline towards the finish that delivers both a pastille-like purity and a twist of bitterness. This is an intriguing ten-year-old wine that should continue to give drinking pleasure over the next 6-10 years. |
|
| Cadence |
2006 |
Bel Canto Red Mtn. Cara Mia Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$51 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Camerata Cara Mia Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (12/2008): (94% cabernet sauvignon and 6% cabernet franc) Initially withdrawn nose reveals musky plum, dark cherry and herbs with aeration. Lush in texture, with a silky sweetness; boasts good juicy acidity yet comes off as a tad chunky today. Perhaps best today on the rising finish, which shows a penetrating quality. Entirely from the three-year-old Cara Mia estate vineyard and not showing the depth or complexity of a wine from older vines. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Caldwell |
2006 |
Estate Grown Block 15 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$50 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Caymus |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Chappellet |
2006 |
Signature Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (6/2009): Full ruby-red. Aromas of currant, tobacco, graphite and crushed rock. Sweet, plush and nicely deep, with a silky texture to the flavors of plum, currant and spicecake. Quite sweet, even a bit exotic, for this bottling. Finishes with substantial broad, dusty tannins and plenty of spicy, chocolatey oak. |
|
| Chimney Rock |
2006 |
Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon (6.0 L) |
$750 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Constant |
2006 |
Diamond Mountain Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (6/2009): Aromas of plum, cassis, menthol and dark chocolate, with complicating licorice and graphite nuances. Lush and nicely concentrated; a step up in sweetness from the Claret, with good energy to the currant, plum, mocha and chocolate flavors. This one is slightly herbal in a positive way. Finishes with dusty, building tannins and lingering berry and mineral flavors. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Corliss |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
6 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (8/2011): The 2006 Red is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Petit Verdot aged in 73% new oak for 33 months. This loaded effort delivers a sexy concoction of toasty oak, exotic spices, and assorted black fruits that titillates the nose. Deftly combining power and elegance, it should see its 20th birthday in peak form. |
|
| Corra |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$85 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Blueberry, cassis, bitter chocolate, licorice and menthol on the nose. Supple and lush on the palate, with captivating cassis, mineral and melted chocolate flavors; showed a strong graphite quality with air. This boasts a compellingly creamy texture and finishes with substantial sweet tannins. A very nicely balanced 2006, built to age but already offering considerable appeal. This is consulting winemaker Celia Masyczek's own project, made from vines on Pritchard Hill as well as in Rutherford and Oakville.
WA 89-91 (12/2008): Still in barrel, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits the vintage’s more muscular, masculine style along with high tannins as well as plenty of concentration and substance. Still unformed, it needs more time to sort out its big-framed personality. It should turn out to be Outstanding, but whether or not it will compete with the gorgeous elegance of the beautiful 2005 remains to be seen. |
|
| Coup de Foudre |
2006 |
Cuvee 37.2 Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2009): The 2006 Blend 37.2 Cuvee (91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc) exhibits plenty of mocha, berry, chocolate, and licorice notes as well as a ton of new oak. The tannins are slightly gritty, and that problem is exacerbated by the oaky component. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on in this solidly made red. If the oak dissipates and the tannins fall away, an excellent wine should emerge in 4-5 years. |
|
| DeLille Cellars |
2006 |
Doyenne Grand Ciel Vyd. Syrah |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 Syrah Grand Ciel Vineyard also contains 2% Viognier. It offers greater aromatic complexity with its wild berries and herbs, leading to a packed, dense, opulent wine with a sauvage character that should please any Rhone enthusiast. This impeccably balanced, pleasure-bent Syrah will have a drinking window extending from 2011 to 2021.
VM 91+ (11/2009): Deep, bright ruby-red. Pungent aroma of pomegranate lifted by flowers. Expressive, pure flavors of cassis, blackberry and violet tighten up quickly in the glass, turning increasingly clenched with air. Intensely flavored and sweet but dominated by its structure today and in need of patience. |
|
|
2006 |
Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
2 |
|
| |
VM 94 (11/2009): (100% cabernet sauvignon) Good deep ruby-red. Blackberry, blueberry, minerals and violet on the precise, vibrant nose. Sharply delineated and refined, with terrific energy and cut to the flavors of dark berries, violet, minerals and bitter chocolate. There's a lightly leafy cabernet nuance and a note of graphite that remind me of a top Medoc wine. A real essence of Washington cabernet, finishing with broad, silky tannins and superb persistence.
WA 94 (8/2010): The 2006 Grand Ciel Cabernet Sauvignon (100% varietal from the DeLille owned Grand Ciel Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA) sports a captivating bouquet of wood smoke, herbs, balsamic, espresso, blackberry, and a hint of chocolate. Elegant on the palate with loads of savory fruit and spice elements, it personifies the phrase of the iron fist in the velvet glove. It will evolve for several more years and easily see its 20th birthday. |
|
| Dominus |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$249 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): There are 6,500 cases of the superb 2006 Dominus (91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot). Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by aromas and flavors of truffles, forest floor, black cherries, black currants, and Asian spices. One of the finest wines of the vintage, it is complete, full-bodied, and seamlessly built with beautiful ripe tannins, low acidity, and a luscious, layered mouthfeel. The aromatics are even more evolved and complex than the 2005's. The 2006 should drink well for 20-25 years. |
|
| Ehlers Estate |
2006 |
1886 Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Foley Vineyards |
2006 |
Claret Lightly Scuffed Label |
$79 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91+ (6/2009): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, plum and licorice. Sweet and densely packed, with dark berry and graphite flavors along with a slight dried-fruit character. I find this a bit low-pitched for a Foley wine despite its sound ripe acidity. Finishes with chewy, slightly dry tannins that call for at least a few years of aging. This is all cabernet sauvignon in 2006, from vineyards on Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Atlas Peak and Calistoga.
WA 89+ (12/2008): Foley’s flagship cuvee, the 2006 Claret (a blend of Bordeaux varietals) exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a sweet bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, spice, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied with gritty tannins in the background, but nice length, texture, and purity, it should merit an Outstanding score after another 1-2 years of bottle age. It will keep for 10-12 years. |
|
| Force Majeure (Grand Reve) |
2006 |
Collaboration I Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
12 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): The 2006 Collaboration I is the same blend but spent “only” 23 months in barrel. It reveals a similar aromatic and flavor profile but appears to be just a bit more forward, succulent, and voluptuous. It will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 2025. |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration IV Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2011): Like the ’05 Reserve Syrah, the 2006 Grand Reve Vintners Reserve Syrah is made by Ben Smith, sees a dash of co-fermented Viognier, and gets an extended stint in 100% new French oak. Downright sexy and upfront, with a huge perfume of crème de cassis, raspberry ganache, spice cabinet, licorice, graphite, and dried meats on the nose, the wine is full bodied in the mouth, showing gorgeous fruit and a brilliant, creamy, and mouth filling texture that stays light and airy. There’s not a hard edge to be found, and the sheer seamlessness and approachable nature makes this a joy to drink. Given how approachable it is, I don’t see any reason to hold off, however, it should have at the least a decade of prime drinking. |
|
|
2006 |
Collaboration Series Reserve Syrah |
$60 |
1 |
|
| |
| JD 95 (6/2011): Like the ’05 Reserve Syrah, the 2006 Grand Reve Vintners Reserve Syrah is made by Ben Smith, sees a dash of co-fermented Viognier, and gets an extended stint in 100% new French oak. Downright sexy and upfront, with a huge perfume of crème de cassis, raspberry ganache, spice cabinet, licorice, graphite, and dried meats on the nose, the wine is full bodied in the mouth, showing gorgeous fruit and a brilliant, creamy, and mouth filling texture that stays light and airy. There’s not a hard edge to be found, and the sheer seamlessness and approachable nature makes this a joy to drink. Given how approachable it is, I don’t see any reason to hold off, however, it should have at the least a decade of prime drinking. |
|
| Ghost Block |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2009): Better balanced is the impressive 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by plenty of creme de cassis, charcoal, roasted herb, and licorice notes. Medium to full-bodied and ripe with elegance, substance, and well-integrated tannins, it should drink well for 15-20 years. |
|
| Gramercy Cellars |
2006 |
John Lewis Reserve Syrah |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2008): Full red-ruby. Deep, varietally expressive aromas of cherry, cola, bacon fat, smoked meat and pepper, complicated by a cool, minerally graphite component. Lush and chewy with extract but quite dry, with lovely grip to the flavors of red fruits and minerals. Very suave and expressive syrah, with a subtle sweetness of fruit and excellent slow-mounting persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Lagniappe Syrah |
$59 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 89 (12/2008): ( blended with 3% viognier; fermented with 40% whole clusters) Full, dark red. Aromas of boysenberry and fruity peppercorn, plus a whiff of licorice. Supple and velvety but adamantly dry, with pungent herb and spice flavors currently dominating the berry fruit in the mid-palate. Plump in the middle but quite firm on the back end, with a hint of bitter fruit skin. A grown-up style that should be flexible at the dinner table. |
|
| Grgich Hills |
2006 |
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 84 (12/2009): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits notes of chocolate, red and black currants, and camphor, but high acids and high tannin give the wine a monochromatic, clipped, lean character that will not age out. Rather, the wine is likely to dry out. |
|
|
2006 |
Estate Grown Merlot |
$40 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Yountville Selection Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Groth |
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Hall Winery |
2006 |
Darwin Red Wine |
$40 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Jack’s Masterpiece Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon Lightly Scuffed Label |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90+ (12/2008): Not surprisingly, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is slightly more tannic and firmer, revealing aromas of creosote, coffee beans, black currants, and toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied with a more aggressive structure as well as more noticeable astringency to the tannins, but with the necessary depth of fruit and concentration for balance, it should drink well for 12-15 years.
VM 90 (5/2009): Full red-ruby. Currant, chocolate, loam and a whiff of meat on the nose. Sweet, lush and creamy, with rather exotic flavors of currant and chocolate liqueur. A satisfying mouthful of cabernet, finishing with substantial fine-grained, dusty tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Keever |
2006 |
Inspirado Red Bordeaux Blend |
$59 |
3 |
|
| |
|
| Korbin Kameron |
2006 |
Cuvee Kristin Cabernet Sauvignon |
$30 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Kosta Browne |
2006 |
Amber Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Bright red color. Powerful dark berry and candied cherry aromas are complicated by black cardamom, cured tobacco and dried flowers. Fleshy bitter cherry and dark chocolate flavors show an intriguing amaro-like bitterness, with chewy texture and slow-mounting tannins. Finishes with surprising energy and excellent lift, echoing the bitter cherry and tobacco qualities. |
|
|
2006 |
Garys’ Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 90 (6/2008): Dark red. Vibrant red and dark berry aromas are complemented by baking spices, licorice and musky underbrush. Energetic, sharply defined raspberry and wild strawberry flavors are nicely concentrated but the wine is light in body, with a surprisingly elegant personality and good lift. Gains energy on the finish, which is impressively spicy, fresh and long. |
|
|
2006 |
Kanzler Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Bright red color. Ripe red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by clove, mace and cinnamon. Supple and round, with sweet red berry preserve flavors, soft tannins and building ripeness. Maintains admirable clarity on the long, juicy finish, which leaves behind a strong flavor of raspberry. For a rich wine, this is focused and fresh.
BH 85 (10/2008): Here the nose is a mix of lightly spiced medium-pitched red cherry and blue berry with only a trace of menthol that complements somewhat edgy and firm flavors where the acidity actually enhances the sense of warmth. The good news is that there is good complexity but the other side of the coin is that the acid backbone is not well integrated on the finish that is borderline hot. In sum, this is attractive up to the mid-palate but loses its appeal on the finish. |
|
|
2006 |
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir |
$59 |
8 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir |
$59 |
9 |
|
| |
VM 91 (6/2008): Medium red. Energetic red berries, minerals and fresh flowers on the nose, complicated by Asian spices and pungent herbs. Racy and sharply focused, offering tangy redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors. Bracing minerality adds cut to the long, spicy finish.
BH 86 (10/2008): A Maraschino cherry nose that displays attractive spice hints a soupçon of menthol moves into round, supple and nicely rich flavors that possess a distinctly edgy finish where the tannins are not well integrated into the finish, which is also distinctly warm. I like the complexity but the delivery isn't one of harmony. Drink 2009+. |
|
| Herb Lamb Vineyards |
2006 |
HL Cabernet Sauvignon |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Lamborn Family |
2006 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$79 |
4 |
|
| |
|
| Larkmead Vineyards |
2006 |
LMV Salon Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 95+ (12/2008): Equally prodigious are the 800 cases of 2006 LMV Salon Proprietary Red, a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, and the rest the other three Bordeaux varietals (Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot). Spicy, chocolatey espresso roast notes intermixed with spring flowers and a hint of bay leaf are followed by a full-bodied wine with oodles of black currant and cherry fruit. The sweetness of the tannins, the breadth and savory mouthfeel, as well as the layered texture, make for an exceptional glass of sumptuous wine. It should drink nicely for 15+ years.
VM 91 (8/2019): Good dark red-ruby. Less high-toned than the '06 Solari. Aromas of black raspberry, dark cherry, mocha and licorice show less of the spicy high tones of the '06 Solari. In a rather powerful style, like the Solari, with dark fruit, graphite and licorice flavors dominating. Here the tannins come across as a bit rough but still supported by the wine's strong fruit and extract. Less suave than the Solari but softened considerably with aeration, showing an attractive sweetness and emerging soil tones. (15.5% alcohol) (Drink between 2019-2029). Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
The Lark Proprietary Blend |
$225 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 96 (12/2008): A new cuvee, the 2006 The Lark (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from the proprietor’s favorite block, which was once identified by the late Harold Olmo as his choice for Cabernet Sauvignon. It is only four barrels, or 100 cases, so I’ll keep my notes short. The wine displays beautiful sweetness and opulence in a style very much like the Solari, and at this stage it seems hard to differentiate from that wine. |
|
| Karl Lawrence Cellars |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Lillian Winery |
2006 |
Syrah |
$59 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 94 (8/2009): The second release from Maggie Harrison, previously an apprentice at Sine Qua Non, the 2006 Syrah from Lillian is even better than the excellent 2005. Totally sourced from the White Hawk Vineyard, and aged in 65% new oak for 23 months, there are 508 cases of this beautiful Syrah. Notes of creme de cassis, blackberries, spice, incense, flowers, ground pepper, licorice, and subtle smoke are followed by a full-bodied, layered, multidimensional, big (15.6% alcohol) Syrah. Beautifully balanced, elegant, and pure, it should age gracefully for a decade or more.
VM 92 (11/2009): Inky purple color. Exotic, powerfully scented bouquet of boysenberry, cherry-cola, vanilla, sandalwood and dried rose. Deep, sweet and smoky, offering palate-coating dark berry liqueur, bitter chocolate and candied vanilla flavors, with strong spiciness and florality providing lift: nothing remotely shy about this wine. The finish echoes the vanilla and smoke notes and clings with velvety tannins and great tenacity. A real head-turner, and even more baroque than the excellent 2005. This needs a peppery piece of grilled red meat. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| Littorai |
2006 |
Hirsch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
3 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (6/2008): Medium red with an amber edge. High-toned aromas of cherry, raspberry and spice. Juicy, spicy flavors of red berries, cherry skin, rose petal and licorice. Good chewy extract here. A clean, fresh wine with considerably more grip and lift than the Savoy. Finishes broad and long, with fine tannins. |
|
|
2006 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$99 |
2 |
|
| |
| VM 93 (6/2008): Good fresh red. Very pure, perfumed aromas of raspberry, minerals and blood orange. Juicy, vibrant and precise, with red berry and mineral flavors of noteworthy finesse. In texture, this reminded me of Chambolle. Finishes juicy, sharply delineated and long. Very classy wine-and at the low end in alcohol for this collection, at 13.7%. |
|
| Long Shadows Wineries |
2006 |
Feather Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 93 (10/2009): The 2006 Feather is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee made by Randy Dunn of Napa Valley fame. The wine was sourced from several prime vineyards and aged for 22 months in new French oak. The nose gives up aromas of toasty oak, scorched earth, Asian spices, black currant, and blackberry. Firm and structured yet elegant on the palate, there are layers of fruit and enough tannin to evolve for another 4-6 years. The wine will be at its best from 2013 to 2026. |
|
|
2006 |
Pedestal Merlot |
$60 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 Pedestal features Michel Rolland who was at Long Shadows on the day of my tasting to do some blending. His wine is 86% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec aged for 22 months in 85% new French oak. Purple-colored, it offers an alluring bouquet of sandalwood, pencil lead, spice box, incense, black currants, and black cherry. Seamless on the palate, this plush wine has layers of ripe, savory flavors, well-concealed tannin, excellent aging potential, and a 60-second finish. It will provide much pleasure between 2013 and 2026.
VM 91 (11/2009): (Michel Rolland's blend, consisting of 86% merlot, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 4% petit verdot and 2% malbec; aged in 85% new oak) Good bright ruby-red. Sweet, creamy aromas of redcurrant and sexy sandalwood. Fat, rich and sweet, with a ripeness verging on overripe. The wine's big tannins initially overwhelmed the merlot character, but this big, broad, distinctly New World wine showed increasing fruit flavor with extended aeration. Finishes with broad, serious tannins that call for patience. |
|
|
2006 |
Pirouette Red Wine |
$59 |
10 |
|
| |
| VM 92 (12/2009): ( this joint project of Agustin Huneeus, Sr. and Philippe Melka is a blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot, 15% petit verdot, 6% cab franc and 5% syrah) Good deep ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of dark raspberry, mocha and spices, with a sweetness from the Taransaud barrels. Broad and sweet in the mouth: I would have guessed this had some residual sugar but I suspect the wine's glyceral quality is largely due to the fact that much of it was fermented in 400-liter barrels with native yeasts. Finishes with big, chewy tannins that build with air without losing their essential suavity. This wine, as well as the Chester Kidder, spends up to 42 days on its skins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Matthews |
2006 |
Colombia Valley Claret |
$25 |
12 |
|
| |
| VM 88 (12/2009): Dark red. Expressive aromas and flavors of currant, plum, tobacco, graphite and chocolatey oak. Supple and juicy, with moderate sweetness and flesh. Slightly tart acidity gives shape and lift to this blend, which finishes with dusty, building, oak-driven tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Maybach |
2006 |
Materium Cabernet Sauvignon |
$175 |
3 |
|
| |
WA 94 (12/2008): The 2006 Materium may be an even greater achievement as it is an undeniably brilliant success in a less consistent vintage for Bordeaux varietals. Full-bodied and powerful with surprisingly silky tannins, it exhibits abundant black fruit, charcoal, and loamy soil characteristics as well as a 40-45-second finish. This stunning 2006 should age effortlessly for 25+ years.
VM 93 (6/2009): Deep, bright ruby-red. Very ripe, soil-driven aromas of currant, blueberry, black cherry, menthol, smoke and tobacco, complicated by mint and creosote. Densely packed and very ripe but with a suave character and harmonious acidity. Smoke, mint and rocky notes complicate the dark fruit flavors. Finishes with big, broad tannins and excellent length. This 100%-cabernet sauvignon wine, made from the Weitz Vineyard above Dalla Valle, has a pH under 3.6 with alcohol of 15.5%, according to winemaker Thomas Brown. |
|
| Modus Operandi |
2006 |
Antithesis Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Robert Mondavi |
2006 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville reveals more licorice, spice, box, cedar, black cherries, and black currants in its complex, moderately intense aromatics. Full-bodied with outstanding concentration and moderate tannin, it displays the potential to improve for a decade, and last for 15-20 years thereafter. |
|
|
2006 |
Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon Bin-Soiled Label |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville reveals more licorice, spice, box, cedar, black cherries, and black currants in its complex, moderately intense aromatics. Full-bodied with outstanding concentration and moderate tannin, it displays the potential to improve for a decade, and last for 15-20 years thereafter. |
|
| Mount Eden Vineyards |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$125 |
6 |
|
| |
WA 93+ (2/2010): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color as well as more subtle smoke, graphite, damp earth, creme de cassis, and blackberry characteristics, and a youthful, full-bodied mouthfeel with impressive concentration, texture, and length. This blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc from high elevation vineyards (2,000 feet) is capable of lasting two decades or more.
VM 93 (11/2009): Ruby-red color. Cherry preserves, cassis, pipe tobacco and dried flowers on the nose, with a sexy note of oak spice emerging with air. Juicy and gently sweet red and dark berry flavors are complemented by notes of bitter chocolate and cherry pit, with a hint of spicy tobacco on the back end. At once deep and graceful, with strong finishing cut and a lingering note of bitter cherry. I prefer this bottling to the excellent 2005 and find it more accessible as well. Josh Raynolds. |
|
| O'Shaughnessy |
2006 |
Howell Mountain Merlot |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91-93 (5/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Pungent, vibrant aromas of raspberry, plum, minerals and leather; this, too, struck me as Burgundian. Lush and sweet but with terrific mineral grip and a flavor of liquefied lead pencil (the soil here is essentially volcanic ash). Very attractive combination of sweetness and minerality. Finishes long, tasty and serious, with terrific energy. A California merlot with real personality. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Outpost |
2006 |
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain avoids the hard tannin and monolithic character that can be found in some 2006 Cabernets. Pure black raspberry, black currant, graphite, and subtle spicy oak dominate the aromatics. Full body, an admirable texture, a layered mouthfeel, and a long finish suggest this 2006 can be drunk now or cellared for a decade or more. |
|
|
2006 |
True Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2008): From a 9-acre parcel, the full-bodied 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon True Vineyard includes some Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend. It reveals a floral cocktail-like bouquet intermixed with lead pencil shavings, blue and black fruits, good freshness, and laser-like focus. A powerful, rich, layered effort, it ranks a few notches above their regular offering. It should evolve for two decades. |
|
| Pahlmeyer |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$135 |
2 |
|
| |
WA 96 (12/2008): There are 7,000 cases of the prodigious 2006 Proprietary Red Wine (a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec). Most of the fruit comes from the Stagecoach Vineyard and the Waters Ranch. Sweet, smoky, meaty aromas interwoven with melted asphalt, camphor, blackberry, cassis, and charcoal scents emerge from the complex aromatics. In the mouth, the wine is full-bodied, displaying sweet tannin, a concentrated mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish with substantial fruit, glycerin, and extract. It should drink beautifully for 20+ years.
VM 93 (6/2009): Good medium ruby. Musky aromas of black raspberry, mocha and smoke. Ripe, lush, seamless and deep; broad for the vintage, with plenty of mid-palate stuffing to support its tannins. This, too, is still youthfully unevolved and will need longer to express its inherent sweetness. Like the 2006 merlot, this merited a score at the high end of my original projected range. |
|
| Pax |
2006 |
Cuvee Keltie Syrah (1.5 L) |
$150 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (12/2008): The 2006 Syrah Cuvee Keltie, a 100% whole cluster Syrah that sees no new oak, is a serious, backward offering meant for long-term aging. Its dense purple color is accompanied by notes of roasted meats, ground pepper, damp earth, truffles, underbrush, and forest floor. This superbly complex, full-bodied wine possesses high tannins as well as surprisingly fine acidity despite an elevated technical pH of 3.93. Drink this intriguing, complex Syrah over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Plumpjack |
2006 |
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon |
$129 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 91-93 (12/2007): Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2006 Estate possesses a dark ruby/purple color, firm tannin, a dense constitution, and plenty of sweet black fruit characteristics intermixed with notions of new oak and scorched earth. It is more broodingly backward than the 2005, and appears to have a longer time line. |
|
| Pride Mountain Vineyards |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$70 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 90 (12/2009): The top end offerings include the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. Last year I reviewed the 2005 (although it was listed as the 2006), which did not turn out nearly as well as the 2006. The deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 exhibits notes of cassis, tar, crushed rocks, chocolate, and berry fruit in a full-bodied, fleshy format. It should drink nicely for a decade.
VM 89 (6/2009): Medium ruby-red. Subdued aromas of plum, currant, tar, earth, roasted herbs and cedary spices. The palate offers better definition and energy than the merlot, with nicely perfumed mountain berry and cedar flavors offering sneaky intensity. Finishes with a serious dusting of tannins and good life and length. |
|
| Quintessa |
2006 |
Proprietary Blend |
$145 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 88 (12/2009): This beautiful estate just off the Silverado Trail in Rutherford has turned out a spicy, elegant, understated 2006 that is very good, but does not ratchet up the level of performance enough to call it exciting. Dark plum and black currant fruits are intermixed with some weedy tobacco notes and subtle earthiness. The wine is well-made, restrained, and best drunk over the next decade. |
|
| Ramey |
2006 |
Annum Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 92 (9/2019): Deep ruby-black in color, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Annum, blended with 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, opens with tertiary aromas of baked plum, nori, raisin, cedar, dried tobacco, licorice, pencil shavings, cocoa and old leather with dried red and black currants and cherries plus a dusty earth note—this is one of those magical wines that brings back fleeting images of childhood as the aromas, difficult to name, flesh out. Medium-bodied, it's silky and fully tertiary in the mouth, with lovely savory and mineral layers. The tannins are firm and lightly chalky, the acidity still juicy and the finish long and nuanced. This is drinking just lovely right now! 872 cases produced. |
|
|
2006 |
Larkmead Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$95 |
16 |
|
| |
VM 93 (5/2009): (includes 4% petit verdot, 3% cabernet franc and 2% malbec) Glass-staining ruby. Deep, youthfully brooding cassis and dark cherry on the nose, with a strong licorice note building in the glass. Sappy black and blue fruit flavors are framed by dusty tannins and energized by a tangy mineral note. The licorice quality repeats on the finish, which is broad, sappy and impressively persistent. For a big boy, this is pretty graceful. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 92+ (12/2008): Although backward, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Larkmead Vineyard (3,820 cases) is extremely promising. Its inky/ruby/purple color is followed by a gorgeous perfume of smoke herbs, graphite, creme de cassis, coffee beans, and toasty oak. With sensational fruit on the attack and mid-palate, and a finish filled with power, glycerin, depth, and impressive structure, this 2006 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should evolve for two decades or more. |
|
|
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 91 (5/2009): (includes 11% merlot and 2% each of cabernet franc and petit verdot) Bright ruby. Cherry and red berry aromas are complicated by dried rose, tobacco and fresh herbs. Juicy and intense, with gently sweet red and dark berry flavors and slow-mounting tannins. Becomes more floral with air and finishes with impressive clarity and spicy persistence. Eighty percent of the vines that provided this fruit are planted on steep hillsides, Ramey told me. Stephen Tanzer.
WA 90 (12/2008): The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a bigger, deeper effort revealing austere tannins in the finish, but also plenty of chocolaty, black currant fruit intermixed with licorice, roasted herbs, and underbrush. It has shut down in bottle, and requires another year or so to open. |
|
| Realm |
2006 |
Farella Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$100 |
1 |
|
| |
| VM 91 (5/2009): Bright ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of dark fruits, smoke and flinty minerality; conveys a strong impression of rocks. Plush, sweet and seamless, with a silky texture to the dark berry, smoke and rock flavors. Nothing hot about this Napa cabernet. The big, broad, dusty tannins give this the backbone to age. "Our coolest site," notes winemaker Mike Hirby, adding that the red volcanic clay is also "cool" soil. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
|
2006 |
The Bard Proprietary Blend |
$125 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 92 (12/2008): The 2006 The Bard, a combination of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, and 12% Merlot, offers beautiful notes of graphite, smoked herbs, burning embers, blackberries, and cassis. Ripe, broad fruit flavors are loaded with glycerin and extract. This extravagantly opulent 2006 reveals a long, heady finish with no hard edges. Despite the relatively high percentage of Petit Verdot, it can be drunk now and over the next 12-15+ years.
VM 91 (5/2009): (a blend of 64% cabernet sauvignon, 24% petit verdot and 12% merlot) Complex aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, cocoa powder, herbs and mint. Plump and lush, with good life and noteworthy depth to the fruit and spice flavors. The tannins are firm but sweeter than those of the Tempest and the finish boasts lovely aromatic persistence. Stephen Tanzer. |
|
| Rivers Marie |
2006 |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
3 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Occidental Ridge Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$69 |
3 |
|
| |
VM 90+ (6/2008): Bright deep red, the darkest of these three pinots. Enticing aromas of raspberry, mocha and earthy underbrush. A bit more firm and less pliant than the Sonoma Coast bottling, but with more intensity to the raspberry and spice flavors. This boasts excellent acidity and the highest alcohol (14.3%) of this trio of pinots. Not surprisingly, it's tightly wound today; more vertical while the Summa is more horizontal.
BH 90 (10/2008): A really pretty set up of moderately deeply pitched red and dark berry fruit aromas that carry a whiff of underlying earth precedes round and relatively forward middle weight flavors that possess good if not exceptional depth plus a very subtle hint of minerality and fine length. While this will certainly age, it is already accessible and with the right foods, could easily be enjoyed now. |
|
|
2006 |
Summa Old Vines Pinot Noir |
$89 |
1 |
|
| |
| BH 92 (10/2008): A wonderfully complex nose is highly expressive, offering notes of black cherry and spiced raspberry that lead to equally complex middle weight flavors that possess good detail and a lovely layering effect on the solidly persistent finish. This is not especially dense in the manner of the 2004 and 2005 versions though the extract confers the sense of concentration on the delicious backend. A study in balance and grace. |
|
|
2006 |
Summa Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$75 |
2 |
|
| |
BH 91 (10/2008): An admirably fresh and beautifully complex nose features spicy deep red cherry and ripe red pinot fruit aromas that complement perfectly the rich, mouth coating and balanced medium weight flavors that benefit from fine levels of dry extract and solid length. While the alcohol is the same as the Willow Creek, there is no undue warmth either. Lovely and absolutely worth a look at this understated, stylish and classy offering. Drink 2010+.
VM 91 (6/2008): Pungent aromas of wild berries, herbs, underbrush and smoke lifted by an enticing lavender perfume. Less fruity but more minerally and bright than the basic bottling, offering a rather silky texture and some attractive high-toned notes of perfumed red fruits. I like this pinot's restrained sweetness and its classically dry finish. Owner/winemaker Thomas Brown told me that the tiny quantities of fruit he had to work with in 2005 were difficult to manage, and that the 2006s were easier to make. Still, yields in the latter year were in the modest 1 to 2.5 tons-per-acre range. |
|
|
2006 |
Willow Creek Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 91 (10/2008): A lovely and nicely deep nose of raspberry, red cherry and touches of both spice and earth lead to round and silky flavors that offer fine intensity and a naturally sweet finish that displays just a bit of backend warmth. It's not enough to upset the balance but neither is it invisible. Overall, I like the sappy and seductive texture and this should age well over the medium term yet drink well early. In a word, lovely. Drink 2011+. |
|
| Rudius |
2006 |
Spirit Rock Alder Springs Vyd. Syrah |
$38 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Saxum |
2006 |
Heart Stone Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$109 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 93 (8/2009): A blend of 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, and 26% Mourvedre, the 2006 Heart Stone Vineyard offers up scents of flowers, lavender, black cherries, raspberries, blackberries, underbrush, and forest floor. Justin Smith uses a lot of whole clusters in his fermentation, which seems to give his wines structure as well as nuance. This is the most French-like of Saxum’s 2006s, and it comes across like a restrained, northern Rhone-like effort that is only hinting at its ultimate potential. It will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring, and should evolve for 10-15 years.
VM 92 (12/2008): ( 38% syrah, 36% grenache and 26% mourvedre) Bright red. Sexy, strongly floral aromas of strawberry, black raspberry and candied flowers, with a suave Christmas spice quality. Sappy and sweet, with vivid red fruit and floral pastille flavors and a seductive overlay of cinnamon and mace. Bright minerals add lift and cut to the sappy finish. This was fermented with about 35% whole clusters. |
|
| Sheridan Vineyard |
2006 |
L’Orage Proprietary Blend |
$65 |
3 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 L’Orage is composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Cabernet Franc aged for 26 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque purple/black in color, it has an alluring perfume of pain grille, spice box, creme de cassis, and blackberry. Rich, layered, and opulent on the palate, this weighty effort has fully integrated its oak and the lengthy finish suggests a long life ahead. It will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026. |
|
|
2006 |
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 95 (10/2009): There are only 250 cases of the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve sourced from the tenderloin (Block 1 ) of the Sheridan Vineyard and aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a brooding bouquet of toasty oak, cocoa, cassis, blackberry, and incense. Dense, rich, and super-concentrated on the palate, the wine is mouth-filling, focused, and splendidly balanced. It will reward 6-8 years of cellaring and drink well through 2030. |
|
|
2006 |
Reserve Syrah |
$55 |
1 |
|
| |
| WA 97 (10/2009): The 2006 Syrah Reserve is a spectacular effort. Yields for the wine were 1 ton per acre with no crop thinning. It was aged for 30 months in 100% new French oak. Fragrant aromas of vanilla, chocolate, and coconut are reminiscent of an Almond Joy candy bar. Add notes of bacon, smoked meat, and blueberry to the mix and it becomes an exotic, kinky elixir. Mouth-filling, extravagantly rich, and succulent, the wine’s finish lingers for over one minute. So flavorful that it can actually be enjoyed now with 2 hours of decanting, it will benefit from 2-3 years of further bottle age and drink well for at least a decade. |
|
| Sine Qua Non |
2006 |
In the Crosshairs Grenache (1.5 L) |
$1,499 |
1 |
|
| |
WA 99 (8/2010): The extended barrel aged Grenache, the 2006 In the Crosshairs, will be released in a few months. A blend of 84% Grenache, 12% Syrah, and 4% Viognier from the estate's 11 Confessions Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills, this cuvee was aged completely in French oak, many of the barrels being demi-muids. It spent 32 months in wood, which goes against nearly every conventional rule about how Grenache reacts to wood. This contrarian notion is the genius of Krankl. An extraordinary wine, it may turn out to be his greatest Grenache since the 2000 Incognito (a wine that is currently at a magical maturity point). No shy wine at 16.3% alcohol (similar to a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape), it exhibits a deep plum/ruby/purple color as well as a luxurious bouquet of raspberry jam, kirsch liqueur, lavender, licorice, and spice box. Full-bodied and sumptuously textured with stunning power as well as elegance, this hedonistic and intellectual turn-on should rock and roll (or is it Rock and Rhone?) for another 10-15 years.
VM 96 (12/2010): (includes 12% syrah and 4% viognier) Opaque ruby. A wild bouquet exudes scents of candied red and dark berries, incense, smoked meat and black olive. I'd have guessed that there was a lot more syrah in here. Lush and palate-coating black raspberry and boysenberry flavors are lifted by zesty acidity and complemented by exotic floral pastille and spice flavors. Strikes an impressive balance of richness and vivacity and finishes with Outstanding clarity and smoky, spicy persistence. With air some fine-grained tannins peeked out, but this is really a wall of seductive fruit, floral and spice qualities. |
|
| Sineann |
2006 |
Resonance Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
|
2006 |
Resonance Vyd. Reserve Pinot Noir |
$65 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 94 (10/2008): The 2006 Pinot Noir Resonance Reserve is a selection of the four best barrels. It reveals a similar personality but with more grip and depth and splendid integration of the oak, tannin, and acidity leading to a seamless, pure close. Peter Rosback makes one other Pinot Noir but you’ll have to be one of the fortunate few to get a reservation at Napa Valley’s The French Laundry restaurant where it is sold exclusively to diners. |
|
| W.H. Smith |
2006 |
Piedra Hill Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$20 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Sojourn Cellars |
2006 |
Sangiacomo Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
| BH 90 (10/2008): An admirably elegant, pure and refined nose features mostly red berry fruit nuanced with a subtle crushed herb note as well as a discreet touch of spice that is also picked up by the detailed, silky and utterly delicious flavors that are at once intense and detailed while delivering a certain generosity on the admirably long finish. A lovely wine that is worth a look. (Drink starting 2011). |
|
| Soos Creek |
2006 |
Champoux Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$55 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Spring Mountain Vineyard |
2006 |
Elivette Proprietary Blend |
$100 |
2 |
|
| |
| WA 87 (12/2009): The 2006 Elivette is the leaner of the two, but it is a good wine, medium-bodied and best drunk over the next 10-12 years. |
|
| Stags' Leap Winery |
2006 |
The Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Torn Label; Bin-Soiled Label |
$70 |
2 |
|
| |
|
| Sterling Vineyards |
2006 |
Napa Valley Sangiovese |
$25 |
1 |
|
| |
|
| Switchback Ridge |
2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Cabernet Sauvignon |
$75 |
3 |
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WA 92 (12/2008): That is not the case with the dense ruby/purple-hued 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Peterson Family Vineyard. Beautiful aromas of sweet blackberries, cassis, forest floor, and spring flowers jump from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, moderately tannic wine. Its textured, layered mouthfeel displays no aggressiveness. Drink this beauty over the next 10-15 years.
VM 92 (6/2009): Bright, moderately saturated ruby-red. Currant, tar, smoke and violet on the nose. Dense and superripe, with an almost exotic quality to the dark berry, spice and forest floor flavors, but also harmonious framing acidity. This is really stuffed with fruit. Finishes with substantial but fine tannins. A big boy with very good texture and depth. |
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2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Merlot |
$52 |
2 |
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VM 89 (6/2009): Medium red. Superripe but subdued plummy aroma. Ripe, lush and moderately concentrated, but with a classically dry, restrained quality. A serious, minerally and youthfully tight style of merlot, evolving slowly: give it plenty of air if you plan to open it anytime soon.
WA 87 (12/2008): The 2006 Merlot Peterson Family Vineyard reveals an evolved dark plum/garnet color followed by notes of animal fur intermixed with chocolate and ripe berry fruit. In the mouth, the wine is soft and supple, but tails off in the mid-palate and finish, revealing some lightness as well as shortness. While charming and sensual, it lacks concentration. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. |
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2006 |
Peterson Family Vyd. Petite Sirah |
$50 |
2 |
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VM 92+ (6/2009): Good saturated medium ruby. Aromas of crushed black fruits and rare steak. Densely packed, sweet and chewy, with terrific depth of flavor; the note of bloody rare steak carries through in the mouth. This outsized wine finishes with big, chewy, youthfully tough tannins that need aging. As young as this is, it's easier to taste today than the merlot as there's considerably more material here.
WA 91+ (12/2008): The blockbuster 2006 Petite Sirah Peterson Family Vineyard boast an inky/blue/purple color as well as copious quantities of blueberry jam intermixed with truffles, incense, and a hint of charred meat. This full-bodied, powerful, rich, unevolved, backward Petite Sirah should be forgotten for 4-5 years, and drunk over the following two decades. |
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| Turley Wine Cellars |
2006 |
Dusi Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
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VM 93 (6/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Superripe aromas of berry liqueur, dark chocolate and fruity pepper, with some distinctly exotic high tones. Lush, sweet, seamless and superripe, boasting terrific depth of fruit and bright framing acidity. This is magically light on its feet for a wine with 16.4% alcohol. Finishes very long, with suave tannins. Downright thick but not at all cloying.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): The 2006 Zinfandel Dusi Vineyard, another Paso Robles site, is a whopper at 16.4% alcohol, but has terrific fruit, slightly caramelized Amarone-like licorice, tar, and blackberry fruit, with decent acidity and a full-bodied mouthfeel with high glycerin. Drink it over the next 4-6 years. |
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2006 |
Moore "Earthquake" Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
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VM 89-92 (6/2008): Bright medium red. Cherry, pepper and smoke, along with an intriguing flinty quality, on the slightly reduced nose. Moderately sweet and fat, with the smoke and flint nuances carrying through on the palate. Currently a rather atypical Moore, as it doesn't yet show the explosive fruit this bottling often displays. This is 15% alcohol "at the most," notes winemaker Jordan, adding that the fruit was harvested very late.
WA 88-90 (12/2007): One of my favorite Zinfandels is the Zinfandel Moore Earthquake Vineyard, but the 2006 was just not singing. It is an elegant style, with high acidity, and restrained and somewhat understated when comparing it with previous examples from this vineyard. We’ll see how it behaves. |
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2006 |
Pesenti Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
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WA 91-94 (12/2007): From the limestone soils of Paso Robles, the 2006 Zinfandel Pesenti is a beauty. The limestone seems to give Zinfandels in that area acidity, vibrancy, and aromatic personalities, but without sacrificing the intrinsic richness and intensity from low yields. This wine boasts fabulous briery, blackberry, and cherry fruit, a crushed rock note, and a long, heady finish. This is super Zinfandel that should last 7-8 years.
VM 93 (6/2008): Bright red-ruby. Expansive aromas of cherry, briary raspberry and pepper. Creamy in texture but at the same time bright and juicy, with lovely peppery, floral lift to the red fruit flavors. Finishes spicy, smooth and long, with pliant tannins. This was a very strong zinfandel vintage in the Paso Robles area, noted winemaker Ehren Jordan. |
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2006 |
Tofanelli Vyd. Zinfandel Torn Label |
$52 |
1 |
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WA 90-93 (12/2007): Deep berry fruit intermixed with some caramelized herbs, spice box, and earth characterize the dark ruby 2006 Zinfandel Tofanelli Vineyard. The wine exhibits purity, richness, and a heady finish.
VM 90-93 (6/2008): Bright red-ruby. Enticing nose offers raspberry, mocha and Tellicherry pepper. Silky on entry, then creamy and voluminous in the middle, with a strong spice character. Superrich if a bit youthfully aggressive, finishing with big but ripe tannins and lingering spice. Still in tank. |
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2006 |
Ueberroth Vyd. Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
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| VM 94 (5/2008): Deep ruby-red. Superripe aromas of raspberry, mocha, black olive and game. Large-scaled, saline and sappy, conveying a powerful impression of terroir with its notes of syrah-like game, mocha, truffle and pepper. Wonderfully tactile zinfandel, finishing extremely long, with tannins covered by peppery fruit. The Turley wine from this site has been consistently spectacular in recent years. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2006 |
Vineyard 101 Zinfandel |
$52 |
1 |
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VM 92 (6/2008): Good red-ruby. Sappy, resiny aromas of red fruits and illegal herbs. Sweet and pungent in the mouth, with fascinating juicy flavors of red berries, wild anise and fruity pepper. Finishes long and perfumed, with fine-grained tannins and considerable complexity. Very distinctive wine.
WA 91-93 (12/2007): One of the long-standing old-vine Zinfandel vineyards is Turley’s Zinfandel Vineyard 101 from Alexander Valley. Always showing considerable amounts of generous fruit, pepper, herbs, and cherry liqueur, this wine is a bit deeper in 2006 than it was in 2005; it is attractive, supple-textured, and a beauty. |
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| Venge |
2006 |
Scout’s Honor Napa Valley Proprietary Blend |
$39 |
1 |
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| Vice Versa |
2006 |
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon |
$109 |
3 |
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| VM 89 (5/2009): Bright ruby-red. Cassis, licorice pastille, minerals and chocolatey oak on the nose. Dense but juicy, with good energy but a youthfully clenched character to its dark berry flavors. Spreads out nicely to coat the palate on the back end, finishing with substantial dusty tannins and building oakiness. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Andrew Will |
2006 |
Champoux Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
10 |
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| WA 94 (9/2016): The 2006 Champoux Vineyard (57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot) is another classy wine from this vineyard that offers those textbook Champoux notes of wild herbs, black currants, smoked earth and licorice. This full-bodied, rounded and voluptuous wine has building, fine tannin and a great finish. I love its tannin quality and while it's drinking beautifully today, it will no doubt keep for another decade. |
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2006 |
Ciel du Cheval Proprietary Blend |
$59 |
18 |
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WA 93 (10/2009): The 2006 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard is a blend of 40% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Franc, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot. Purple-colored, it has an outstanding bouquet of cedar, cinnamon, clove, black currant, and blackberry. On the palate the tannins so predominant in Red Mountain are nicely tamed. There are layers of savory fruit, considerable complexity, excellent balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. This lengthy effort will benefit from 3-5 years of additional cellaring and drink well through 2026.
VM 93 (11/2008): Bright ruby-red. Raspberry, redcurrant, minerals and dried herbs on the nose; less high-toned than the 2005. Juicy, bright and intense, with lovely precision to its primary flavors. Offers a terrific tight core of fruit and harmonious ripe acidity. A step up from the earlier vintage in lift. Finishes broad, with very suave tannins. Stephen Tanzer. |
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2006 |
Sorella Proprietary Blend |
$75 |
1 |
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WA 94 (10/2009): The 2006 Sorella is produced from Block 1 of the Champoux Vineyard and is the winery’s flagship. It is composed of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Saturated purple in color, the nose offers up an enticing mix of pain grille, pencil lead, espresso, incense, black currant, and blackberry. Already complex, this layered, fleshy, intensely flavored effort will benefit from another 4-6 years of cellaring and will have a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2026.
VM 92 (12/2009): (71% cabernet sauvignon, 17% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot) Bright ruby-red. Higher-pitched and more perfumed aromas than the 2007: cherry, spices, lavender and white pepper. Then sweet, firm and tangy in the mouth, with firm acids framing the cherry flavor. The impression of stronger acidity gives drive to the wine, but it also displays a velvety-smooth texture and conveys a strong impression of extract. Finishes bright, long and firmly structured. The 2007 may be denser wine, but this is serious and long too: it will be interesting to compare these two vintage in six or seven years. |
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2006 |
Two Blondes Vyd. Proprietary Blend |
$55 |
6 |
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WA 92 (9/2016): Made when they were still doing manual punch downs, the 2006 Two Blondes Vineyard (close to one-third each of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) has a high pitched bouquet of violets, olive, leafy herbs, plums and black currants. It is rich, rounded, supple and sexy, with a beautiful seamlessness that just makes you want to drink it. Drink this sexy, forward and delicious wine over the coming decade.
VM 92 (11/2008): Good bright ruby-red. Musky aromas and flavors of sweet dark berries, truffle and smoke. Quite lush and sweet, but with enticing inner-mouth lift and a bright spicy quality to the fruit flavors. I find this distinctly fresher and suaver than the 2005 bottling. Rich, firmly structured wine with fine tannins to support bottle aging. Chris Camarda has taken his wines to a new level of freshness and consistency with the 2006 vintage, thanks in large part to the installation of new heating and cooling equipment in his winery, and the adoption of closed-top tanks, which has enabled him to make wines with better definition. Stephen Tanzer. |
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| Williams Selyem |
2006 |
Hirsch Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
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VM 92+ (6/2008): Dark red. Powerful kirsch and blackcurrant aromas are deepened by dark chocolate and mocha. Deep and chewy, with concentrated cherry and dark berry flavors, picking up baking spices on the back end. A rich, fleshy style of pinot, with serious finishing power and length.
WA 89 (12/2008): From heritage California clones, the 2006 Pinot Noir Hirsch Vineyard displays high tannins, lots of body and depth, a distinct damp earthiness, and plenty of pomegranate and red cherry fruit.
BH 87 (10/2009): A high-toned and notably cool nose of delicate and airy red berry fruit aromas trimmed in just a hint of wood that is also reflected by the detailed, intense and minerally flavors that seem to possess less depth than I'm used to seeing from this vineyard as well as noticeable finishing dryness and tanginess. We'll see if this comes together but at present, this is pretty awkward. Drink 2009+. |
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2006 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$89 |
2 |
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| VM 93 (6/2008): Dark red. Sexy, room-filling scents evoke raspberry, cherry preserves, blackberry, Asian spices and fresh flowers. Energetic red berry flavors stain the palate and are enlivened by tangy minerals. Strikingly fresh and focused wine with admirable finesse and finishing cut. One of the more lively pinots I tasted on my trip. |
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2006 |
Rochioli Riverblock Vyd. Pinot Noir (1.5 L) |
$195 |
1 |
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| VM 93 (6/2008): Dark red. Sexy, room-filling scents evoke raspberry, cherry preserves, blackberry, Asian spices and fresh flowers. Energetic red berry flavors stain the palate and are enlivened by tangy minerals. Strikingly fresh and focused wine with admirable finesse and finishing cut. One of the more lively pinots I tasted on my trip. |
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2006 |
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Very Lightly Bin-Soiled Label |
$50 |
1 |
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VM 91 (6/2008): Bright red. Vivid red berry, cherry and blood orange aromas are complemented by fresh rose and dusty minerals. Racy strawberry and raspberry flavors are impressively precise, with tangy orange zest and floral pastille qualities adding verve. Gentle tannins emerge with air and extend through the long, spicy finish.
BH 87 (10/2008): A high-toned and slightly candied crushed red berry fruit nose trimmed in a very subtle touch of wood spice merges into round, forward and supple light to barely medium-bodied flavors that possess fine intensity and while this is definitely on the fruit-driven side, there is reasonably good depth and persistence on the ever so slightly warm finish. Drink 2009+. |
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| Zepaltas |
2006 |
La Cruz Vyd. Pinot Noir |
$30 |
2 |
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| VM 90 (5/2008): Medium red, with a slight haze. Fresh red berries and pomegranate on the nose, with lavender and baking spices building with air. Zesty redcurrant and wild berry flavors are sharply focused and lithe, picking up sexy vanillin oak spice on the back end. Finishes juicy, brisk and minerally. Fans of full-throttle New World pinots are liable to be puzzled by this. Josh Raynolds. |
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