2005 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon Special Selection (California, Napa Valley)

Very smooth for it’s age. The nose is very faint but does offer cassis and mineral notes. Nice fruit balance with plumb, spice, currant and a touch of earth. For me, it’s way overpriced but that doesn’t take away from the quality.

2004 Celler de Capçanes Montsant Mas Dois Barrica (Spain, Catalunya, Tarragona, Montsant)

Not knowing much about Spanish wines I found this one very interesting and very good. The nose has a nice mix of fruit and mineral notes, especially graphite. Not what you would call fruit forward but there were flavors of blueberry, plumb and spice. all  the flavors worked well together in a very put together effort. 85% Garnacha and 15% Syrah.

2004 Ortas Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Prestige (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau)

The nose has plenty of raspberry and wild-berry fruit with a touch of earthiness. Across the palate lots of dark berry flavors, vanilla, tobacco and a good dose of minerality. At $19 it’s a value  for Cotes du Rhone. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

2006 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard (Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley, Colchagua Valley)

The color is a deep purple. The  nose gives off notes of Herbes de Provence and blackberry. The blackberry holds on across the palate and also picks up vanilla and a strong mineral edge. The tannins and a little rough still. It might soften with more time but it will still be very tannic. Not quite up to previous vintages but good nonetheless.

2005 Bleasdale Langhorne Crossing (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek)

The nose is full of red cherry. Across the palate there are hints of currant and spice but they are overwhelmed by a strong cranberry note. Lacks complexity and any sort of finish. Not flawed in anyway but nothing very good to reference either.

2006 Beringer Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley (USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley)

Deeply extracted red/purple color. The nose has hints of currant and vanilla. Soft currant, cherry and chocolate make this a very easy drinking wine that, although very good, lacks the complexity to be great. Fine grained tannins linger on he finish. Will improve some with additional bottle time.

2005 Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Grand Reserve (USA, California, Napa Valley)

If you are looking for a Napa fruit-bomb this wine isn’t going to do it for you. However, the nose gives faint hints of black cherry, chocolate and cedar. The black cherry hang on with a wild berry note  through a  medium length finish. On the lighter side is you prefer ultra-ripe Napa Cabs but for $12 it’ has good QPR.

2004 Zolo Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (Argentina, Mendoza)

Found this on sale at World Market ($14 down from 18). Red-blue in color. The nose is focused on the aging notes of vanilla and chocolate at this point. Good fruit flavors still offer currant, blueberry and red berries. Very easy drinking but do it now.

2005 Château Filhot (France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes)

Golden honey color.Very sweet but balanced with everything else thats going on. Pineapple, hazelnut, honey and apricots working well together. Still young but very approachable now. Good QPR for Sauternes. Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend.