Top 10 wines of the week
Six Cabernet Sauvignons or Cab-based blends top this week’s list, with one Pinot Noir, one Syrah, one Rhône blend and a Chardonnay. Napa Valley dominates, with six placements. Yes, the prices are high, but you get what you pay for (usually). As always, you’ll find my complete scores and reviews in upcoming copies of Wine Enthusiast.
Von Strasser 2008 Reserve (Diamond Mountain). 278 cases, 14.2%, $125. Its firm tannins and solid fruit core make it ageworthy.
Vineyard 7&8 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain). 600 cases, 14.8%, $125. The best wine from this winery in memory. An ager.
D.R. Stephens 2008 Moose Valley Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley). 400 cases, 14.9%, $125. From St. Helena. Rich and fine, and one for the cellar.
Maybach 2008 Weitz Vineyard “Materium” Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville); 425 cases, 14.8%, $125. Minerals give this young Cab a sleek tang.
Harbison 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley); 150 cases, 14.2%, $90. Decadent and oaky, with lots of sweet fruit.
Testarossa 2009 Niclaire Pinot Noir (California); $75. A delicious best barrels blend from the winery’s various vineyards.
Dutton Estate 2008 My Father’s Vineyard Dutton Ranch Syrah (Russian River Valley); 120 cases, 15.2%, $40. Soft, spicy and fruity, a lush wine to drink now.
Waterstone 2007 Study in Blue (Napa Valley); Cases not revealed, 14.5%, $45. Rich and soft blend of Cab, Syrah and Merlot for drinking now.
Talbott 2009 Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands); 7,728 cases, 14.9%, $40. Typical Talbott SHV, ultraripe, exotic and oaky.
PharoahMoans 2009 Westside (Paso Robles); Cases not revealed, 15.9%, $95. Okay, so the alcohol is high. So what? Move over, Saxum, this Rhône blend is coming at ya.
Hmm- No 15%+ cabs in the last two weeks? Are you getting soft on us? 😉
It is what it is, Hardy!
I can’t say enough good things about Talbott 2009 Sleep Hollow Chardonnay!