California is producing some top-notch Bordeaux varieties, and it’s not just in the Napa Valley. Growing regions from all over the state have world-class wines to offer. Here is a selection of some our panel’s recent favorites featuring the five major red grapes of the Bordeaux region.
Cinnabar 2010 Mercury Rising Red Blend
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, & Malbec
Region: California
Price: 20-25
Review:
Aromatics of currants, blackberries, and black cherry are accented by notes spice, vanilla, and bacon on the nose. Flavors of cherry, blackberry, and cassis meld with suggestions of dark chocolate, pepper, smoked cedar, and game. A supple wine with rather interesting layers, it’s a solid value for a $20 Bordeaux blend.
Rating: 89
Cinnabar 2009 Malbec
Grape(s): 90% Malebc & 10%Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Lake County
Price: 60-65
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, cherries, and smoky herbs greets the senses. Flavors of tick blackberry, bing cherry, and blueberry emerge on the palate rounded out by suggestions of earth, cedar, and toasty vanilla. A rich, full-bodied wine with bold tannins, it’s ideal of a variety of Latin American fare. Fans of Malbec will enjoy this bottle.
Rating: 91
Buccella 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 94%, Petit Vedot 3%, Malbec 2%, & Cabernet Franc 1%
Region: Napa Valley
Price: 140-145
Review:
Aromas if blackberries, cherries, and currants meld with suggestions of chocolate and cedar. Flavors of bramble fruit and cassis come together with notes of cocoa, cedar, and roast coffee on the palate. A nicely structured red, with supple tannins, enjoy it now with food or give ti a few years in the cellar. 1,238 cases produced.
Rating: 90
McIntyre Vineyards 2011 Kimberly Vineyard Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Monterey County
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromas of black cherries, plums, and currants with accents of leather and herbs rise up from a glass. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, currant, and black cherry that mingle with suggestions of earth and white pepper. A supple Merlot that fans of rich, concentrated reds will enjoy.
Rating: 90
Sol Rouge 2009 Cabernet Franc
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Franc
Region: Lake County
Price: 30-35
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, plums, cherries, and earthy spice greets the senses. Blackberry, cherry, and currant flavors emerge on the palate along with highlights of vanilla and sweet spice. A rich, supple red, this a a Cabernet Franc that just might change any skeptic’s mind about the grape variety.
Rating: 91
Cuda Ridge 2010 Petit Verdot
Grape(s): 100% Petit Verdot
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromas of dark berries mingle with suggestions of cocoa, cigar, and earth on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of boysenberries, blackberries, and plums accented by dark chocolate, earth, and smoke. A rich wine with balanced tannins, fans of supple reds should try this bottle.
Rating: 90