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The vintners of California have embraced the grape varieties of Bordeaux, planting acres and acres of vineyards. Given their popularity with the wine drinking population, it’s no surprise. Here’s what our panel thought about a handful of recently tasted offerings.
Yorkville Cellars 2012 “Richard the Lion-Heart” Blend
Grape(s): 50% Merlot, 35% Malbec, 9% Cabernet, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Carmenere, & 1% Cab Franc
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of currants, blackberries, plums, and earth greet the senses. The palate offers flavors of black currant and bramble fruit with accents of earth and baking spice. Supple tannins and robust fruit flavors make this wine a fine match for lamb chops.
Rating: 89
Mount Aukum 2009 “BDX” Blend
Grape(s): 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, & 30% Merlot
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of black cherries, blackberries, and plums meld with traces of sweet spice and cocoa on the nose. Flavors of cherry, bramble fruit, and plum unfold into suggestions of dark chocolate, coffee, and clove on the palate. An elegant wine with soft tannins, pair a bottle with a roast chicken. 371 cases were made.
Rating: 89
McGrail Vineyards 2011 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Livermore Valley, Ca
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, cassis, and black cherries come together with traces of chocolate, toasty oak, and cinnamon on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of bramble fruit, cherry, and currant that wrap around notes of vanilla, sweet spice, and minerals. Supple with good structure, enjoy a bottle with a juicy steak now, or give it some time in the cellar. 1,926 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Midnight Cellars 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 80% Cabernet Sauvignon & 20% Merlot
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 40-45
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and cassis interweave with traces of spring flowers and vanilla on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, bramble fruit, and black currant that meld with traces of lavender, creamy oak, and white pepper. A smooth Cab with plush tannins, pair a bottle with a mushroom risotto. 470 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Midnight Cellars 2011 Malbec
Grape(s): 100% Malbec
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of blackberries, blueberries, and currants mingle with notes of earth, dark chocolate, and anise on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, currant, and black cherry combine with suggestions of minerals, tobacco, and dark chocolate on the palate. Dark and rich, enjoy a bottle with chicken mole. Only 98 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Liberty School 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of black cherries, currants, blackberries, and smoky oak greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, cassis, and blackberry that unfold into notes of dusty earth and spice. A supple wine with ample fruit, it’s a rather approachable Cab.
Rating: 87
Liberty School 2012 Merlot
Grape(s): 100% Merlot
Region: Central Coast, Ca
Price: 10-15
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums meld with suggestions of earth, rose petal, and vanilla on the nose. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry interweave with traces of minerals and vanilla on the palate. Rich and dark, this Merlot will match nicely with hamburgers. 13, 601 cases produced.
Rating: 88
Hearst Ranch 2011 Malbec
Grape(s): 90% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 4% PetitVerdot
Region: Paso Robles
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, raspberries, and plums are accented by traces of clove and earth on the nose. Flavors of pomegranate and bramble fruit unfold into suggestions of sweet spice, herbs, cedar on the palate. Bright and smooth, it’s a very approachable Malbec.
Rating: 89
Sierra Vista 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: El Dorado, Ca
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Cherry, plum, and bramble fruit aromas meld with nuances of creamy oak and sweet spice on the nose. Flavors of blackberries, cherries, and plums emerge on that palate along with hints of toasty oak, minerals, and herbs. Bright yet supple, open a bottle with your favorite lamb dish. 150 cases were made.
Rating: 89
