(1) 2018 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon

Rating: 93/100

Blend: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 0.8% Cabernet Franc, 0.2% Petit Verdot

The exceptional 2018 growing season produced a stunning expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, with alluring aromas of black Mission fig, black raspberry, and chocolate, as well as notes of sage, cardamom, crème brûlée, and anise. On the palate, flavors of elderberry, plum, blueberry, red licorice, and violet glide across silky tannins, with bright, balanced acidity contributing to a long, focused finish.

(1) 2020 Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Rating: 92/100

Caymus has a signature style that is dark in color, with rich fruit and ripe tannins - as approachable in youth as in maturity. Since its founding in 1972, Caymus has become renowned as a consistent leader in the production of Napa Valley Cabernet. Grapes for this wine are farmed in 8 of Napa's 16 sub-appellations, with diversification enabling us to make the best possible wine in a given year. Their Cabernet offers layered, lush aromas and flavors, including cocoa, cassis and ripe berries.

(1) 2018 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon

Rating: 91/100

Blend: 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Ruby in color, the 2018 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of cassis, caramel, juniper and pomegranate. Lifted and vibrant on the nose, this wine is fresh on the palate with a juicy, fruit-forward core. Its silky mouthfeel will provide drinking pleasure through 2044 given proper cellaring.

(1) 2018 Chateau Cantenac Brown Margaux

Rating: 94/100

Blend: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc

Shows a touch of dark earth out front, with a mix of smoldering tobacco, espresso crema and singed alder notes before the core of warmed plum and blackberry reduction flavors finally starts to unwind. Just a touch burly for a Margaux, but certainly lots to like here and ample range and length. Time will likely add that last bit of refinement.

2016 Blankiet Prince of Hearts Proprietary Red

Rating: 93/100

Blend: 53.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38.1% Merlot, 4.9% Cabernet Franc and 3.2% Petit Verdot

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it features flamboyant black cherries, warm plums and black berries notes with touches of Indian spices, menthol, rose hip tea and red earth. Medium to full-bodied, firm and with a beautifully ripe texture, it is opulent, soft and seductive through the long, earth-laced finish.