California Wine Advisors

Rich and velvety, this full-bodied red offers an alluring symphony of blackberry preserves, figs, dark chocolate, and toffee, framed by hints of creamy oak on the sublime finish. Soft and polished on the palate, it delivers impressive depth and concentration while maintaining a seamless texture, finishing long with lingering notes of ripe black fruit, cocoa,...

Bold notes of bright red fruit plus subtle notions of blueberry jam shine through. The dense, grainy tannins and velvety texture deliver a sultry experience throughout with hints of dark chocolate on the tangy finish.

A classically-styled Heidi Barrett top tier Cabernet from a now legendary vintage. Captivating aromatics of succulent black cherries, Santa Rosa plum, clove, cedar and cinnamon waft from the glass. Well-structured with fine, grainy tannins, the palate offers deftly balanced layers of red and black berries, currant, and hints of mint and pipe tobacco on the...

This robust + silky smooth new Cabernet is crafted in a seriously delicious style that reminds us of far pricier Napa icons. Impressive flavors include black raspberry, dry cherry, hints of dark chocolate, pipe tobacco, plus a glorious dash of creamy caramel and vanilla on the sumptuous finish. This easy-drinking winner will thrill tonight and...

The 2017 vintage of DI CO Cabernet Sauvignon is seriously impressive for the relatively humble price. The bouquet is bright and inviting, with notes of red cherries, black raspberries, semi-sweet cocoa and savory herbs. Deftly balanced, the palate achieves a delightful balance of old world charm and modernity, leading a refreshing and long finish. Drink...

Dominus Estate’s Napanook 2023 is already flashing serious pedigree, offering a silky, richly textured palate framed by generous spice from new oak. It is already showing as a confident baby Dominus, with impressive concentration and an open-knit feel that hints at what’s to come. There’s blackberry and dark fruits layered with herbal notes, pine, damp...

Opens with a silky, luxurious texture that immediately gives way to firm tannins, hinting at serious ageworthiness. The nose is vivid and lifted with deep blue and red fruits, barrel spice, and a whisper of anise. The palate delivers layers of bittersweet chocolate, espresso beans, plum, and black rock. There’s a distinctive, almost Toblerone-like richness,...

This is a juicy, intensely pleasing Cabernet that hits the palate with waves of flashy dark fruit and spice. Gorgeous aromatics loaded with currant, anise and roasted espresso evolve to include blackberry, plum, graham cracker, and baking spices. A brilliant effort that may be enjoyed anytime over the next 15 years.

The 2018 Gemstone Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is an immensely polished effort, offering approachable, dark cherry and vanilla notes across a silky smooth texture that will be delight now through 2025+.

We continued to be astounded by the quality of craftsmanship for these wines, particularly considering the humble prices. The new 2021 ‘Figure’ Cabernet is an exceedingly rich and delicious young release. Lush and loaded with bright strawberry and blackberry fruit flavors, raspberry jam, dried herbs, milk chocolate, lavender, vanilla, leather, and anise.