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Expert Reviews - Vintage 2017

The top Cabernet is the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch, which comes all from the Howell Mountain AVA. It's another inky colored beauty boasting a terrific perfume of black and blue fruits, ground herbs, spice box, graphite, and forest floor. With brilliant minerality on the palate as well as full-bodied richness and an expansive, opulent texture, it has sweet tannins and is approachable today, yet will benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for 25-30 years. It's one of the few 2017s to come close to its 2016 counterpart. Bravo!  Drinking 2024 to 2054.  Jeb Dunnuck 97

Bottled only three weeks ago, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear Ranch is composed of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, having spent 22 months in 60% new French oak. Very deep garnet-purple in color, it reveals beautiful notions of kirsch, red and black currant preserves, raspberry pie and warm plums with hints of red roses, stewed tea, underbrush and cinnamon stick. Medium-bodied, the palate has wonderful red fruit and floral intensity intermingled with black fruits, framed by firm, grainy tannins and a wicked backbone of freshness, finishing very long and mineral laced. Very different from the epic 2016 Dancing Bear, but very exciting!  Drinking 2020 to 2038.  - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 95+

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Dancing Bear ranch is a gorgeous Howell Mountain red. Succulent black cherry, plum, licorice, spice, new leather, rose petal and blood orange all run through this deep, resonant, unctuous Cabernet Sauvignon from Cakebread. This is a very pretty wine.  Drinking 2022 to 2032.  - Vinous 93

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A fresh and pure unwooded Chenin Blanc, made to express the delicious purity of the grape. A lovely wine to enjoy on its own or even better with a slightly spicy dish.

Winemaker Description 

Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines has released a one-time, Limited-Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon to commemorate Charles Woodson’s enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 2019, Woodson launched the Intercept Wines brand and the team prepared to have the 2018 vintage ready for 2021 should he become a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

“When we found out Charles was eligible to be selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we were eager to make a commemorative wine to celebrate the occasion,” said Intercept winemaker Amanda Gorter. “We wanted to create something special that truly embodied the sentiment of greatness from grape to glass.”

The 2018 Limited Edition Hall of Fame Cabernet Sauvignon from four premier districts in California’s Paso Robles AVA: Adelaida, Estrella, El Pomar, and Willow Creek. It is a full-bodied winewith bold tannins and exquisite structure, and can be enjoyed today or laid down to age.

The limited production resulted in 6,500 bottles, an homage to his 65 career interceptions. His career accolades are etched onto the bottle, and a note from Woodson lines the inside of the soft-touch matte black gift box.

Woodson explained, “Intercept has created this Hall of Fame Edition Cabernet Sauvignon – very fitting for this special time in my life! I’m sharing this moment with you because when I go in, we all go in!”

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Light to moderate tannins. Light-bodied, dry, black currant, black cherry, plum, and cassis with good mouthfeel fades with dry, dark fruit and finishes with dry, mild tannin. The fruit fades quickly and the body and tannin much slower.

Winemaker Description

Our 2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby in color and entices you with a nose of raspberry, cassis and loose pipe tobacco. This full-bodied wine has an assertively silky structure and is notably spicy on the palate. Flavors of sage and blackberry mark the wine’s entry. The strong acidity in the mid-palate is followed by a lingering finish. Given proper cellaring, this wine will provide drinking pleasure through 2038.

Expert Review — Vintage 2022

James Suckling 92 Points | Aromas of black currants, plums, mocha, bay leaves and a touch of cedar. The palate is full-bodied with smooth tannins and fresh acidity, giving dark berries, cocoa and a light, earthy finish. Balanced and easy to enjoy. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

Folie à Deux Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a pure expression of its region. Concentrated aromas of graphite, boysenberry, dark cherry, a hint of menthol and black olive sit atop clove and brown sugar notes. Rich, round and robust in structure, showcasing ripe, concentrated flavors of dark fruit complemented by chocolate, molasses, tobacco spice, and a balanced finish.

Food Pairings

• Grilled ribeye or lamb chops
• Braised short ribs or beef stew
• Aged cheddar or gouda
• Dark chocolate desserts

Experience the rich depth of Pielihueso Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that embodies the passion and organic farming philosophy of this family-owned estate. Spanish for "skin and bones," Pielihueso began in 2017 when father/daughter combo Alejandro and Celina Bartolome planted vines in Los Chacayes and Los Sauces, both subregions of the Uco Valley located within Tunuyán. This exquisite blend combines the elegance of Malbec with the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a delightful balance that captivates the palate.

High Elevation Organic Vineyard

50% Malbec, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on a high elevation vineyard (3,900m) with vines ranging from 12 years (Malbec) to 72 years (Cabernet Sauvignon) in sandy/clay soils. The grapes are hand harvested and kept 50% whole cluster, then fermented in stainless steel tanks. All wines are farmed organically and made with no corrections, fermented with native indigenous yeasts, and a low addition of sulfur is added just before bottling.

Family Winemaking Philosophy

Alejandro comes from a long background in organic farming, and this is the family's first foray into wine. The winery's style focuses on making light, bright, clean, and vibrant wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Uco Valley. The labels were even created by the family - Carmela, the other daughter, designed them from their brother's artwork, making each bottle a true family collaboration.

Tasting Profile

Deep purple hue with an inviting aroma. The flavor profile is a tapestry of dark fruits, complemented by hints of spice and oak. Rich notes of blackberry and plum are coupled with soft tannins that provide a velvety mouthfeel. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon adds complexity, introducing subtle layers of blackcurrant and a whisper of chocolate. Light, bright, clean, and vibrant character with a smooth finish. This wine is designed to be enjoyed young but has the potential to develop further nuances with age.

Los Chacayes & Los Sauces Terroir

This wine reflects the rich terroir of Los Sauces and Los Chacayes, subregions of the renowned Uco Valley in Tunuyán. The 2024 vintage stands out due to optimal growing conditions at high elevation, ensuring that only the finest grapes are harvested. The combination of sandy/clay soils, high altitude, and old vines (up to 72 years for Cabernet Sauvignon) creates wines of exceptional quality and character.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This incredibly versatile wine complements a variety of dishes:

• Grilled lamb and beef stew
• Hearty steaks and grilled meats
• Aged cheeses
• Roasted vegetables
• Gourmet pizzas
• Rich pasta dishes

Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly below room temperature to allow the aromatic qualities to shine. Whether paired with rich dishes or savored on its own, Pielihueso Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon offers a luxurious taste experience. As you indulge in this exceptional wine, let the robust flavors and smooth finish transport you to the picturesque vineyards of the Uco Valley, where each glass tells a story of family, organic farming, and dedication to crafting light, bright, and vibrant wines. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, this wine will elevate your collection.

Expert Review - Vintage 2022

The Wine Enthusiast by Tonya Pitts 91 Points | This wine is bright and lively, with aromas of dark berries, malted chocolate, crushed florals and notes of toasted vanilla. Structured with gripping tannins the palate opens with flavors of cranberry-strawberry, black raspberry and dried bay leaf, which evolve into red plum and citrus zest.

Winemaker Description 

The 2022 Matchbook Cabernet Sauvignon is a refined yet approachable expression of the Dunnigan Hills AVA, crafted to showcase ripe, sun-soaked fruit and the region’s signature balance.

Deep dark garnet in the glass, it opens with inviting aromas of plum and black cherry layered with subtle notes of mocha, chocolate and mild cigar box. The palate is soft, supple and immediately welcoming, offering rich flavors of blackberry and boysenberry supported by dusty tannins and well-integrated oak that adds both structure and length.

Hints of anise and warm spice elevate the finish, giving the wine lift and nuance.

Awarded 91 points by Wine Enthusiast, this Cabernet maintains varietal integrity while delivering broad appeal—an easy-drinking, food-friendly red that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty pastas or aged cheeses.

Memo Summary Notes

Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petit  Sirah

The 2022 Matchbook "Red Gravel" Cabernet Sauvignon is a standout value from the Dunnigan Hills AVA in Yolo County, California. Named after the distinct iron-rich, gravelly soils of the estate, this wine is designed to compete with much pricier Napa Cabs by offering a similar "bold and plush" profile at a fraction of the cost.

Winemaker Description

This Rutherford-dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Bordeaux grape varieties offers aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm hints of vanilla and caramelized black fruit. A concentrated, silky wine emphasizing varietal expression, richness and balance from start to finish. 

James Suckling 92 Points | This tank sample of the final blend before bottling shows an abundance of ripe, juicy, almost syrupy fruit flavors, from blueberries to blackberries and cherries. It feels soft and plush, tastes warm and broad and adds chocolate and vanilla accents to all the sweet-tasting fruitiness. Drink or hold.

Jeb Dunnuck 90 Points | Ripe plums, darker berries, spice, and chocolaty, savory herb notes all emerge from the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, a nicely textured, medium-bodied, incredibly satisfying Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that has ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and a great finish.

Organic & Vegan Chilean Cabernet at an Exceptional Value

Veramonte is one of Chile’s leading organic producers, farming sustainably in the sun-drenched Colchagua Valley — one of South America’s premier Cabernet Sauvignon appellations. Their 2022 Organic Cabernet Sauvignon is certified organic and vegan-friendly, delivering classic Chilean Cab character at an outstanding everyday price point: ripe black fruit, cassis, leather, vanilla, and a long velvety finish.

Winemaker Notes

Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon Organic 2022 750ml

Aromas of ripe black fruit, leather, and vanilla are complemented by cassis flavors and hints of spice, with a long, velvety finish. Classic Colchagua Cabernet — rich, smooth, and built for the table.

Vineyard & Provenance

• Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Colchagua Valley, Chile
• Producer: Veramonte
• Vintage: 2022
• Certified: Organic, Vegan
• Size: 750ml

Food Pairings

Incredibly versatile — excellent with grilled meats, burgers, pasta with red sauce, hard cheeses, and casual weeknight dinners.

Expert Ratings - Vintage 2018 

Wine Advocate 93 Points | Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Benchland Select gives up intense cassis, stewed plums and cedar chest notes with hints of licorice and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied in the mouth, the palate has a taut, grainy texture supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing long and mineral tinged.

James Suckling 92 Points | Ripe blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, spearmint, cocoa and walnut on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Supple, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. 

Winemaker Descrption 

Milan Nestarec Youngster Red is a red natural wine made from a blend of Zweigelt, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Dornfelder. The grapes are hand-harvested and destemmed. The juice ferments in 2000-liter stainless steel tanks. The wine ferments for about 2 months, with occasional pigeage and indigenous yeast fermentation. Elevage takes place in the same tanks for about 2 months. The wine is bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with zero sulfur added.

Expert Reviews 

Wine Spectator 94 Points | A very fresh, floral-laced style, offering a bright beam of cassis and plum gelée laced with flashes of violet, hibiscus and rose petal. Nicely grounded through the finish, with alder and warm earth hints filling in. Approachable, but this has more to show in time. Best from 2023 through 2036. (JM)

Wine Advocate 94 Points | Delicate herbal shadings accent the cassis notes on the nose of Corison's 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. It's classic Corison, balanced and concentrated without being showy or weighty, silky in feel, with a long, lingering finish and two decades of ageability. (JC)Decanter 94 points Alluring aromas of dark cassis, graphite, cedar and wild herbs. It has a striking depth with layered flavours and texture, and while restrained now it is incredibly well-built and in need of time in the cellar to fully shine. Reveals subtle hints of fresh black and blue berries, currants and dried herbs tinged with red florals. Finishes with polish, energy and poise. (JC)

Jeb Dunnuck 92 Points | Lots of dark, blackcurrants, cassis, darker chocolate, and hints of violets emerge from the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced St. Helena Napa Cabernet Sauvignon offering nicely integrated acidity, terrific balance, and a great finish. This quintessential Cathy Corison Cabernet shines on all accounts. It's going to evolve for two decades. (JD)

James Suckling 94 Points | A perfumed nose of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, cocoa and nutmeg. Violets too. Medium body with fine tannins and bright acidity. Fresh and refined with a bright core of wild fruit and a long, flavorful finish. Drink or hold. (JS)

Vinous 93 Points | The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is full of charm. It offers all of the natural intensity of the year, with bright acids that keep the flavors bright. Sweet red cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and spice all build effortlessly. This open-knit yet classically built Cabernet is likely to offer a wide window of drinkability over the next 15-20 years. As always, Cathy Corison's Napa Valley Cabernet is a blend of three sites in St. Helena. (AG)

Wine & Spirits Magazine 96 Points | The 2019 vintage might be something of an outlier for Cathy Corison, who picked two weeks later than usual, taking advantage of the cool season from summer into fall. This wine is, in fact, an idealized version of her benchland cabernet sauvignon, holding on to the elegance she regularly achieves, while adding a luscious textural beauty that more often comes from bottle age. James Conley of NYC’s Keen’s Chophouse found the aroma suggested a more delicate wine than the density and extract this one carries in its “cabernet grape tannins and intriguing, lifted fruit. If someone said, ‘I love Napa, but show me what I’m missing.’ I’d say, ‘Well, try this.’” Warm and explosive in its energy, this wine carries an imprint of the benchland soils in the play of darkness and light, in the detailed tannins that make you crave another taste. (JG)

Winemaker Description 

The 2018 Grace Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exudes gorgeous dark red fruit, black cherry, black currant, accented by notes of bittersweet cocoa, black licorice, cigar box, resin, pink peppercorn, rose, and a hint of mint which offers freshness and lift.

The palate is broad and plush with layers of vibrant dark red fruit and spice seamlessly underpinned by soft, fine tannins and an extremely long palate. Drinking beautifully now, this wine will age at a glacial pace for years to come.

True Myth Cabernet Sauvignon — Paso Robles 2022

True Myth is one of Paso Robles’ most compelling value propositions — a Cabernet Sauvignon that punches well above its price with genuine complexity, critical acclaim, and the unmistakable warmth of California’s Central Coast. The 2022 vintage is rich, polished, and built to age.

The nose opens with blueberry, cherry, and vanilla, layered with aromas of spice, fennel, and thyme. On the palate, dark red fruits, black currant, and hints of pepper, mocha, and caramelized oak unfold with a structure of dense tannins and refreshing acidity. Rich yet smooth, this wine is approachable now and will continue to develop beautifully for years to come.

The Tasting Panel 93 • Wine Enthusiast 89

• Producer: True Myth Winery, Paso Robles, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Blueberry, cherry, black currant, pepper, mocha, caramelized oak, fennel
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2028+
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, braised lamb, aged gouda, mushroom risotto

A critically acclaimed Paso Robles Cab at an everyday price — True Myth lives up to its name.

Joel Gott Blend No. 815 Cabernet Sauvignon — California 2022 — 375ml Half Bottle

Joel Gott is one of California’s most beloved winemakers — a third-generation vintner who built his reputation on the simple idea that great wine should be approachable, consistent, and honestly priced. Blend No. 815 is his signature Cabernet Sauvignon — the number refers to the specific blend Joel crafts each vintage from select vineyards across California, always chasing the same benchmark of ripe fruit, velvety texture, and reliable quality. It has become one of the most recognized everyday Cabernets in the country, and the 2022 earned 90 points from Wine Enthusiast. This 375ml half bottle is the perfect format for a solo dinner, a casual weeknight, or whenever a full bottle feels like too much commitment.

The color is a deep, concentrated ruby. The nose is inviting and expressive: raspberries, blackberries, plum, and mocha, with notes of cinnamon and cedar. On the palate, red fruit leads the way into velvety tannins on the mid-palate, finishing long and textured with notes of black pepper. Approachable, reliable, and built for the table — this is California Cabernet at its most generous.

• Producer: Joel Gott Wines, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: California
• Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
• Blend: No. 815
• Format: 375ml Half Bottle
• Style: Approachable, velvety, fruit-forward California Cabernet
• Tasting Notes: Raspberry, blackberry, plum, mocha, cinnamon, cedar, black pepper, velvety tannins
• Drink Window: Now–2027
• Best Paired With: Grilled ribeye, burgers, BBQ, lamb chops, pasta with meat sauce, aged cheddar

California’s most reliable everyday Cabernet — in the perfect half-bottle format for any night of the week.

Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana — Tuscany 2023

First crafted in 1928, Villa Antinori Rosso Toscana is one of Italy’s most enduring and beloved Super Tuscans — a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah that reflects nearly a century of winemaking tradition from the Antinori family, whose history in Florentine winemaking dates back to 1385. Approachable, versatile, and consistently earning critical acclaim, it delivers the character and soul of Tuscany at an everyday price. The 2023 vintage earned 90 points from Wine Spectator and is drinking beautifully now through 2030.

The color is ruby red, intense and captivating. The nose offers dark fruit, tobacco, juniper berries, sweet spices, coffee, and hazelnuts. On the palate, it is mouth-filling and pleasantly sapid — smoky black cherry, black currant, and tobacco are framed by a layer of chalky tannins, lively freshness, and a persistent, fruit-driven finish.

Wine Spectator 90 — “Smoky, with aromas and flavors of sweet spices, black cherry, black currant and tobacco. A layer of chalky tannins lends support. Fresh, with fine length. Drink now through 2030.” (Vintage 2023). 

• Producer: Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany, Italy
• First Vintage: 1928
• Vintage: 2023
• Appellation: Toscana IGT
• Blend: Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
• Style: Super Tuscan
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Dark fruit, tobacco, juniper, sweet spice, coffee, hazelnut, black cherry, black currant, chalky tannins, persistent finish
• Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2030
• Best Paired With: Pappardelle with wild boar ragù, grilled lamb chops, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, Parmigiano-Reggiano

Nearly a century of Super Tuscan tradition, 90 points from Wine Spectator, and priced for every night of the week — Villa Antinori is the Tuscan classic that never disappoints.

Anakota Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley — Sonoma County 2022

Anakota is the Knights Valley project of Pierre Seillan — the visionary vigneron behind Vérité — and it stands apart from every other Sonoma Cabernet. The estate vineyards climb the southwest-facing volcanic slopes of Mount St. Helena at 700–950 feet of elevation, surrounded by cold mountain streams and forests of native fir and oak. The soils are volcanic and mineral-rich, and the message of the land is conveyed in every bottle. The 2022 blend draws from three estate parcels: Helena Montana (53%), Coyote Hills (34%), and Stonestreet Estate (13%), composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot. This is Sonoma Cabernet at its most rugged, pure, and terroir-driven.

The color is a brilliant ruby-violet with a vivid rim. The nose is immediately captivating: crunchy boysenberry, juicy black plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, and roasted espresso bean, layered with herbes de Provence and subtle baking spice. On the palate, the wine is rich and velvety — full-bodied with fine-grained tannins that are soothing and precise, electric acidity, and wet stone minerality driving a layered, complex, and lingering finish. Drink now or hold for a decade.

“So pure, fruity and appealing — ripe, welcoming flavors and fine-grained texture that’s soothing on the palate. Black cherries, blackberries, dried blueberries and dark chocolate. Rich in velvety tannins, leading to a lingering finish.” — 94 Points. Jim Gordon, Executive Editor, JamesSuckling.com. (Vintage 2022). 

• Producer: Anakota (Pierre Seillan), Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California
• Vintage: 2022
• Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma County
• Composition: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot
• Vineyards: Helena Montana 53%, Coyote Hills 34%, Stonestreet Estate 13%
• Elevation: 700–950 ft, southwest-facing volcanic slopes of Mt. St. Helena
• Style: Rich, precise, terroir-driven Knights Valley Cabernet
• Size: 750ml
• Tasting Notes: Boysenberry, black plum, black cherry, dark chocolate, espresso, herbes de Provence, wet stone minerality
• Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 10+ years
• Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, grilled ribeye, lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, aged cheddar

Knights Valley Cabernet from one of California’s great vignerons — Anakota is the volcanic soul of Sonoma in a bottle.

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Of deep ruby-red color, this wine is intense, elegant and very complex on the nose, with accents of fresh red fruits, such as plums and cherries, complemented by spices and notes of herbs. On the palate it feels structured, fresh, with a good volume, velvety tannins, and a long, persistent ending.
 

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The Legado line of wines from De Martino showcase a specific varietal and their cultivation in the best terroirs of Chile resulting in wines that express the true character of each region. The bouquet consists of ripe aromas of cassis and black cherry, a mild touch of oak and a slight hint of earth. Medium in body with fantastic acidity, it is very juicy, with a medium-long finish.

Winemaker Description

The wine is medium bodied and moderate in tannin, with some beautiful suppleness to the mid-palate that reflects the moderate summer, accompanied by a touch of extra richness from the hot autumn weather. 100% Certified organic and dry farmed.

Expert Review

James Suckling 91 Points | Aromas of crushed herbs, sliced plums, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with powdery tannins. Bright acidity pairs nicely with the fresh red fruit on the palate. Could use another year to come together. Best after 2023. (2020).

Winemaker Description

This wine’s aroma has it all: plums, incense, tobacco leaf, violets, and exotic spices. Zero racking and extended lees contact has given the 2011 FUTO a satisfying balance of creamy richness and superb freshness. Generous and inviting flavors of black-skinned fruits, cappuccino, citrus and cloves work in harmony with the sweet tannin and well integrated oak. While texturally approachable now, the inner density and complexity of this wine will continue to unfold with cellar age.

Expert Reviews

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 97 Points: The 2011 Proprietary Red Estate is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cabernet Franc, 9% Petit Verdot and 6% Merlot. It offers sweet blackcurrant and blueberry fruit intermixed with hints of toast and white flowers, beautiful body and a savory personality. A top success for the vintage, it should drink well for 10-12 years.