Nottingham Cellars winemaker, Collin Cranor, is only in his mid-twenty’s, but he makes some of the best wine in the Livermore Valley. While the Valley may not have gained the same level of notoriety as Napa, in terms of the climate, the region is really quite similar, so Cabernet Sauvignon grows very well. Nottingham Cellars is releasing four special Cabernets in February, and they have the quality to hold their own with anything from the Napa Valley.

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Special Designation: Del Arroyo Vineyard

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 55-60

Review:

A equal blend of two different Cabernet clones from Del Arroyo Vineyard, the nose offers aromas of blackberries, cherries, and red plums that mingle with a hint of dark chocolate. A sip unfurls flavors of blackberry, plum, and cherry that flow into notes of mocha, vanilla, and a touch of oak. A wine with rich flavors and plush tannins, it has a nice balance of fruit and structure. It’s very enjoyable now but certainly worthy of some aging as well.

Rating: 92

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Special Designation: Wisner Vineyard

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 55-60

Review:

A truly small lot wine with only 50 cases produced, it has a bouquet of cherries and currants that melds with suggestions of sweet spice, black licorice, and herbs on the nose. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and currants come to life on the palate, accented by hints of oak, anise, and sage. A wine with focused dark fruit and rich tannins, fans of a bit more structure and acidity will enjoy this Cabernet now. Those that prefer something more mellow should give it some time in the cellar.

Rating: 90

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Special Designation: Casa De Vinas

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 55-60

Review:

Aromatics of cherry and blackberry come together with notes of clove, cinnamon, and vanilla for an intoxicating nose. Lovely flavors of cherry and plum emerge on the palate, complicated by highlights of sweet spice, dark chocolate, and smoke. A somewhat softer wine, with fine tannins, that’s a bit lighter on the palate than many Cabs, it’s ideal for fans of more elegant reds.

Rating: 92

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Special Designation: Small Lot Reserve

Region: Livermore Valley

Year: 2009

Price: 55-60

Review:

A equal blend of fruit from Casa De Vinas, Wisner, and Del Arroyo Vineyards, this wine offers aromas of cherries, blackberries, and currants with accents of coffee, dark chocolate and smokey oak. A sip reveals flavors of blackberry, plum, and cassis along with notes of dark chocolate, cedar, and sweet spice. A Cab with nice rich fruit and balanced tannin, it can be enjoy now with food or cellared for several years.

Rating: 91