“Top Shelf” Tasting Notes, 12/14/12

NCWC “TOP SHELF” TASTING 12/14/12

DUCKHORN NAPA VALLEY MERLOT 2010
“With firm tannins and exceptional length, this is a lovely and age-worthy wine that shows how much Merlot can excel in a cooler growing season. The aromas are rich and inviting with layers of amaretto, sweet spice and cedar. On the palate, lush flavors of plum, blackberry and cherry dominate, with the tannins adding structure and depth.” $47.97

LA VELONA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2004
” The 2004 Brunello di Montalcino opens with earthiness, tar, leather and licorice that lead to a core of expansive dark fruit. This sepia-toned Brunello grows in the glass, adding multiple dimensions to its weighty frame but most of its appeal is up-front as the intensity trails off a bit on the mid-palate. Generous and beautifully-balanced, the wine offers outstanding poise and an elegant finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2019.” 92 points Wine Advocate. $34.97

SILVER OAK ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
“Like a savory claret pumped up on performance-enhancing California climate, this is nuanced and relatively austere for all its bold, plummy fruit. The supple richness of tannins lends it textural finesse, the quality of Silver Oak that may be most responsible for its legend. The alcohol is finely integrated so as to be imperceptible. Still youthfully floral, this will age with grace.” 94 points Wine & Spirits. $59.97

LANCASTER ALEXANDER VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
This “bursts from the glass with blackberries, cassis, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice, all of which are beautifully woven together. This ripe juicy Cabernet presents an exotic, super-ripe profile balanced by a firm sense of structure. Not a bad combination, to say the least. Freshly cut flowers, mint and licorice are layered into the energetic, vibrant finish.” 94 points Wine Advocate, Wine Enthusiast, and Tasting Panel. $49.97

CAYMUS NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010
The new vintage of Caymus is “young and appropriately vibrant and grapey. Homes in on pure currant and blackberry fruit, veering briefly toward cedar and tobacco before tightening on the finish.” “The flavors in this wine are genuinely good, but the textural elements are its most exceptional feature. The entry wanders, deliberating, then evolves and expands to cocoa-like fine tannins in harmony with oak, fruit and acidity. A balanced and harmonious wine with a long evolution.” 92 points Wine Spectator. $69.97

ALTAMURA NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008
Number 5 on Wine Spectator’s “Top 100” for 2010, this extraordinary wine “combines very ripe, spicy dark berry fruit that’s even a touch racy, with a firm backbone and a well-structured mix of acidity and tannins. The fruit is potent and concentrated, yet also shows a suppleness and measure of grace. Should only get better. Drink now through 2024.” 94 points Wine Spectator. $79.97