Jeb Dunnuck (99)

While this cuvée is one of the least expensive in the lineup, it’s often one of my favorites. The 2018 Ontogeny is no exception and should be snatched up by readers. A classic 2018 nose of ripe, pure blue fruits, cassis, violets, and smoked earth gives way to a full-bodied, dense, concentrated Cabernet with beautiful tannins and length. It’s going to evolve for 20 years or more.

Vinous (92)

The 2014 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard is surprisingly seamless and open-knit for such a young wine. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice, licorice, mocha and chocolate fill out the wine's supple, inviting frame effortlessly. Best of all, the 2014 will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Vinous (95)

The 2015 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard is rich, explosive and powerful in the glass. Cabernet Franc aromatics give the wine an attractive upper register to play off the dark, unctuous fruit. Dark cherry, blackberry, chocolate and espresso all rush forward. The EE has terrific tension for such a big, plush wine. Lifted Franc notes reappear on the super-expressive finish.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard is a very beautiful wine that shows yet another facet of this superb Oakville site. Super-ripe dark cherry, plum, mocha and new leather run through a pliant, expressive red that will drink well earlier than some of the more imposing wines in this range. The high presence of Cabernet Franc works wonders. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Merlot.

Vinous (88)

The 2017 Red Wine EE Tench Vineyard is a dark, potent wine. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, leather, smoke, licorice and bittersweet chocolate are all amped up in this rich, dense and deep wine, supported by very firm, powerful tannins.

Vinous (96)

The 2016 Proprietary Red Sugarloaf Mountain is built on lifted aromatics and more of a mid-weight sense of structure than is found in the other wines of the range. Sage, crème de cassis, menthol, lavender, mint and dark fruit are all nicely layered. Gracious and light on its feet (that is not a typo), with gorgeous perfume from the Franc, the Proprietary Red is distinctive and incredibly inviting.

Vinous (97)

The 2018 Red Wine Sugarloaf Mountain is magnificent. Soaring in its intensity, the 2018 exudes tremendous concentration and a level of aromatic breadth that carries through to the finish. All the elements come together so effortlessly. The 2018 is a must-have for Bevan fans.

Jeb Dunnuck (96-98)

Iron, crushed rocks, spice, and scorched earth notes all dominate the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Tench Vineyard, a rich, powerful yet balanced wine. Showing the purity of fruit that's classic in the vintage, ripe tannins, terrific balance, and a big finish, it's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age.

Vinous (94)

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vixen Block is super-refined, silky and expressive. Inky blue and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and mint are all woven together in this attractive, mid-weight wine. The 2015 is floral and lifted, with tons of Stags Leap character. I never thought I would use the word 'restrained' to describe a Russell Bevan wine, that is exactly what this is.

Vinous (93)

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard Vixen Block is another super-distinctive wine in this lineup. Inky blue and purplish fruit, chocolate, espresso, mint and lavender are all generous in this jammy, super-concentrated Cabernet. Russell Bevan's style and this Stags Leap vineyard marry beautifully to produce an unabashedly opulent Cabernet that will drink well right out of the gate.

The Booker Vertigo 22 2016 is a captivating expression of meticulous wine craftsmanship from Paso Robles, California. Crafted by acclaimed producer, Eric Jensen, this exquisite blend champions the Rhône varietals, predominately Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. The grapes are handpicked from the rich, sun-drenched hilltops lending a robust structure and tantalising depth.

Booker Vertigo 22 2016's production utilises biodynamic farming techniques, ensuring vibrant, healthy fruit with impeccable concentration. Following an extended fermentation, the wine ages for 22 months in French oak, enhancing its luscious texture and complex flavours. The result: a harmonious amalgamation of lush dark fruits, decadent chocolate and compelling spice hints.

A dedicated pursuit of excellence marks Booker Vertigo 22 2016 as a connoisseur's choice. This striking vintage perfectly exemplifies the artistry and vision that has given Booker Wines its esteemed reputation in the world of fine wines.

Coming from the heart of the prestigious Pritchard Hill area, the Brand Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to superior craftsmanship and terroir expression that this region is renowned for. Offering an unprecedented experience, this wine emanates classically cerebral nuances of fresh black and red fruit, charmingly intertwined with undercurrents of forest floor, graphite undertones, and a delightful trace of minerality.

Handcrafted by winemaking connoisseur Philippe Melka and produced at the Brand Family estate’s meticulous 110-acre vineyard, this vintage has been aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak. Displaying an unparalleled density and complexity, it is a wide-angled proclamation of its esteemed origins. The Brand Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 provides an exquisite, velvety texture and nuanced, rich finish that testifies to its world-class pedigree.

A coveted addition to any discerning connoisseur’s cellar, this wine speaks volumes about the epitome of Napa Valley's viticulture glory.

Prepare to be enchanted by the Brand Proprietary Blend 2018, a captivating elixir courtesy of renowned viticulturists. Produced painstakingly in the revered vineyards of Bordeaux, France, this superb vintage emanates an inimitable factor providing a truly regal experience with each pour. An exquisite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines aged in French oak, it charms with a luscious berry and subtle vanilla finish.

The Brand Proprietary Blend 2018 is laden with deep ruby tones whilst bearing the classic traits of balance, depth and complexity, a testament to its world-class pedigree. The bouquet is endowed with fragrance of cherry and blackberry underlined by nuances of sweet spice. To be savoured alone or paired with hearty meals, it is undoubtedly an embodiment of the producer's extraordinary winemaking prowess, and a sensory delight for the discerning palate.

An investment worth making, the Brand Proprietary Blend 2018 bestows a remarkable wine-drinking experience that flawlessly encapsulates the artistry of fine winemaking.

Vinous (89)

The 2020 Chardonnay (Central Coast) is a delicious, appellation-level wine. Citrus peel, orchard fruit, spice and light tropical accents all grace this understated, classy Chardonnay from Calera.

Vinous (88)

The 2018 Pinot Noir (Central Coast) is laced with dried cherry, tobacco, cedar and mint. There's good complexity, although the first signs of maturity are starting to show. I would prefer to drink this over the next year or two at most.

Vinous (94)

The 2020 Pinot Noir Sin Azufre is a wine that in the past I’ve found a little hard to put my fingers on. This time, however, I confess that it touched a nerve. The pure aromas and flavors paint a vivid picture of the open country. Fermented in 600-liter barrels and aged in used oak, it’s an ethereal purple in hue. The 2020 has a nose of vibrant rose and violet notes followed by sour cherry. On the palate, the flavors are profound, and flow relaxed, smooth and expressive. Anchored in well-integrated freshness that wraps itself around the other qualities, this is a wine whose energy is drawn from nature itself.

Wine Advocate (94)

We finished the tasting with the two Bordeaux blends. About as sexy and voluptuous as they come in the vintage, the 2011 Merlot Northridge Vineyard gives up loads of plum, violets, cassis, graphite and hints of spring flowers to go with a full-bodied, hedonistically styled profile on the palate. Possessing no hard edges, yet solid concentration and sweet tannin, it will put a smile on anyone’s face over the coming 7-82years.

Wine Advocate (93)

One of the best-run and now superstar wineries in all of Napa is Cliff Lede. Starting with their 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap, a beautiful example of this AVA, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color, floral notes intermixed with crème de cassis , graphite and forest floor. It is full bodied, but with the elegance, finesse and lightness of being, despite its intensity. The wood is pushed to the background, and the wine is beautifully pure and long. Drink it over the next 20 years.

Vinous (91)

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Cliff Lede wine with rich fruit, tons of intensity and plenty of medium-term appeal. Savory notes add an attractive upper register, but the tannins are a touch firm, so readers will be best off cellaring the 2014 for at least a few years. This is a solid mid-tier offering from Cliff Lede.

Experience the singular elegance of Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a result of meticulous viticulture and precise winemaking. This exquisite wine is a testament to the skills of Costanzo Farella, renowned vintner located in the hallowed soil of the Coombsville appellation in Napa Valley, California. The 2018 vintage is a symphony of flavours, expressing dark berry fruit and delicate spice, with polished tannins and balanced acidity courtesy of a near-perfect growing season.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is hand-harvested, fermented on indigenous yeasts, and aged for two years in French oak, ensuring the perfect blend of power and plushness that marks an exceptional Cabernet. With the longevity to age gracefully yet equally approachable in its youth, Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a testament to the potential of the Coombsville region. This is a remarkable wine, luxuriously textured and notable for its sublime layers of complexity.

The Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 is an exquisite exemplar of viticultural artistry. Born from the majestic terrains of Napa Valley, California, it is the proud formation of Costanzo Farella, a producer renowned for its remarkable consistency and precision. This compelling Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes extended fermentation to amplify its depth, followed by meticulous barrel ageing in French Oak to refine its complexity.

On the nose, it unfurls a symphony of dark fruit, offering ripe blackberry and blackcurrant nuances, gracefully intertwined with undertones of vanilla, cedarwood, and subtle spice. The palate is masterfully structured; a harmonious balance of intense fruit concentration, ripe tannins and an enviable freshness. This wine culminates in an enduring, poised finish, ensuring the Costanzo Farella Coombsville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 lingers in the mind. For those serious about their collection, it unquestionably deserves a place.

Fine wine connoisseurs would appreciate the exquisite Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, a premier Napa Valley masterpiece. Respected winemakers, Todd Newman and Tom Garrett, combined their passion and knowledge to create Dakota Shy. The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon is a captivating representation of their dedication.

This wine is a harmonious blend of fruit from some of Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards. Benefitting from the exceptional Californian climate, it exhibits an exciting interplay between sweet blackcurrant and savoury earthy tones, enveloped in a velvety-smooth texture.

The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 has undergone 22 months of ageing in some of the finest French Oak barrels, resulting in a wine of authentic grace and ageability. Enjoy the lingering finish featuring delicate spice notes, testament to the meticulous winemaking process.

This wine sets the bar for premium Napa Cabernet, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and oenophiles.

The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is a faultless masterpiece hailing from the acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards of California. This bountifully complex wine is exquisitely crafted by Dakota Shy, a producer celebrated for their commitment to creating artisanal expressions of the region's distinctive terroir.

Richly layered, the Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 boasts an opulent bouquet of ripe blackberry, delicate violets, and subtle hints of vanilla bean, underpinned by an insistent minerality. Beyond the alluring nose, this beguiling wine unfolds with titillating fruits and smoothly integrated tannins cloaked in a velvety texture – a testament to its 21 months maturation in French oak barrels.

Its limited-production status further underscores its exclusivity, with a mere 285 cases made. True connoisseurs will relish the opportunity to savour this magnificent expression of Dakota Shy's immaculate Cabernet Sauvignon lineage. The Dakota Shy Cabernet Sauvignon Ten 2014 is an irresistible testament to the exceptional vitality of Napa Valley.

Matthew Jukes (18+)

The Fifty Finest Wines 2020 I tasted a large number of Californian wines this autumn and I found many of the wines (whites and reds) over-oaked, sweet, far too high in alcohol and generally out of balance. So, when successful wines put their hands up it was very encouraging. This amazing Cabernet had the very traits I associate with exceptionally expensive Californian red wines and yet, when I discovered its price, I couldn’t believe it. I far prefer this cuvée to the ‘Reserve’, which is £55. The key to this wine’s success is its balance. Every element is in perfect harmony. The fruit is pure and resonant, the tannins are classy and there is no weird-tasting oak whatsoever. Profound balance + a delicious flavour = a mention in the Finest Fifty

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2018 Pessimist is a barrel sample blend of 62% Petite Sirah, 19% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 2% Lagrein. It is expected to age for 11 months in 50% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it offers up tar, chargrill, turned black earth and blackcurrants with wafts of blackcurrant bud, dark chocolate, smoked meats and crushed red cherries. The medium to full-bodied palate has lifted flavor layers, a firm, grainy frame and long, spicy, fresh finish.

Wine Advocate (92)

The 2018 Chardonnay opens with apple pie, baked quince, lemon curd and melon touches with notes of guava, dried hay, toast and a lovely underlying spiciness. Medium to full-bodied and rounded in the mouth, it has intense, ripe, savory fruits with honey-nut accents, lifted by mouthwatering freshness and finishing long.