California Wine Advisors

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 2022 Bevan Ontogeny is a bold, irresistible crowd-pleaser that delivers huge flavor and serious fun. Bursting with jammy dark fruit, baked blackberry, black cherry, milk chocolate, and vanilla, it offers a ripe, silky texture with enough structure to keep it all together. Aromas of espresso and chocolate-covered cherries lead into a juicy, fruit-forward palate,...

This oh-so impressive Cabernet blend dazzles with dark fruit and velvety smooth tannins melded together harmoniously for a supremely delicious experience now through the next decade. In fact, the 2016 release is the best Collina bottling we’ve sampled as it reminds us of opulent favorites trading for $200-$300 per bottle. The bouquet boasts captivating aromas...

This debut Cabernet blend impresses with dark fruit and grainy tannins (ideal with juicy grilled meats) melded together harmoniously. The bouquet boasts captivating aromas of baking cocoa and spices that lead to seductive layers of blackberry, plums and sage on the spicy finish. Thanks to a deft integration of savory flavors, this relative bargain may...

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...

The 2014 Altagracia is another velvety smooth blockbuster, perpetuating its reputation as one of Napa’s finest ‘Super Seconds’ in the fashion of the estate bottling (last vintage 100 points – Robert Parker) but more approachable over the next decade. This vintage is beautifully balanced with complex notes of viscous black fruit, figs, roasted espresso beans,...

This powerful and bold red wine boasts dark fruit aromas and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and ripe plum intertwined with milk chocolate, red licorice, and vanilla. The earthy notes of tobacco, thyme, and leather come through on the palate that gives way to a long, bold finish. We recommend a 30-minute decant to enjoy...

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.