2005 D.R. Stephens Cabernet Sauvignon Moose Valley Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley)

Nose of blackberry, vanilla, and plumb. Nice mix of flavors on the fruit across the palate which includes the aforementioned as well as dark chocolate and currant. Fine grained tannins wrap up the finish which is long lasting. Excellent balance. This is an outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is made from estate grown Moose Valley (which is in the St. Helena AVA) fruit. Another excellent effort from winemaker Celia Welch Masyczek. An indulgence for most but outstanding nonetheless.

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2006 Finca Flichman Paisaje de Barrancas (Argentina, Mendoza)

Faint hints of red fruit and vanilla on the nose. Stewed plumb and red cherry that turns tart toward the end of the finish. Tannins are moderate and linger on the finish as well. Not bad but there others in the price range that are much better. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec.

2007 Two Hands Shiraz Angels Share (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale)

Nose gives up raspberry and a touch of cedar. The flavors across the palate are more raspberry and spicy plum. The balance of fruit and acidity is more elegant than you would expect from this region. The finish is fairly tannic and is long lasting. Excellent Aussie Shiraz for the money.

2006 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor (Chile, Central Valley, Maipo Valley, Puente Alto)

Dark toasted oak and blackberry aromas lead the way. Black currant, smokey tobacco, tar hints, fig compote and dark chocolate add to the complexity across the palate. The finish has a very earthy note and is lingering. A nice balance of fruit and minerality. Another excellent effort. Decant for now.

2006 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Marqués de Casa Concha

Very dark purple in color. The nose is full of espresso, black currant. The currant holds on through the palate then vanilla, oak and earthy dark chocolate kick in as well. Very long and tannic finish. Needs a little more time in bottle but excellent now.

2006 Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina, Mendoza)

Deep purple hue that fades at the rim. Vanilla nose that leads to stewed plumb and red cherry flavors and a touch of green. Not very complex but easy drinking nonetheless.