Cornerstone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011
Deepest, darkest ruby red veering toward purple. Vibrant and inviting aromatics of blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant, and plum with accents of mineral, allspice, nutmeg, cocoa nibs, and oak with hints of French roast coffee. The palate is just as complex and sophisticated with tremendous structure and length, waves of ripe fruit, and vibrant acidity. While this is surely a Napa wine it does have a lot in common with the great wines of Bordeaux. Its rich while restrained palate will remind many wine lovers of the modern Pauillac style with an unmistakable Napa heart. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Pietra Santa Cabernet Sauvignon Cienega Valley 2010
Deep, dark ruby red to garnet. The nose reveals a classic and nuanced Cabernet offering scents of black cherry, blackberry, and plum with supporting notes of cassis, earth, clove, cocoa, and oak. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose offering layers of dry and ripe berry driven fruit with accents of spice, oak, and subtle earth tones to offer intrigue. This is one beautifully woven set of complex flavors mingling in the glass. Balance, balance, and balance is the hallmark of this beautiful Cabernet. It is not a California blockbuster style - it's absolutely seductive finishing with soft, dry tannins. Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. $20 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
