This weeks Top 5!!

2004 Heitz ‘Martha’s Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Wine Spectrum Rated 96 The regal purple the glass is the perfect introduction to this exceptional vintage. Lavish varietal aromas and a signature twist of mint are followed by an exquisite mouthful of rich black cherry. This is Cabernet at its finest, produced with sun-ripened fruit from a legendary vineyard. During the extended aging process, beautifully integrated French oak adds an appealing note of toasted vanilla. This skillfully balanced Cabernet displays the elegant complexity of its noble heritage as it builds to a long, lovely finish, impressive to drink now, certain to age gracefully, almost indefinitely. Drink now-2060+.

2011 Purlieu ‘Martinez Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Pritchard Hill
Wine Spectrum Rated 96 From the oldest block of the Martinez vineyard, fermented in oak tank. The wines has aged for 26 month in 100% new french oak. Typical of Pritchard Hill, the wine has layers, texture and body. Beside a very cold vintage, the old vines ripened perfectly. Deep earthy character complemented with aromatics of black current, blackberries and hints of vanilla and cedar. Flavors of plum, black cherries, graphite, espresso and cocoa are balanced by a long, structured finish. 300-6packs produced.

2009 Heitz ‘Martha’s Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville
Wine Spectrum Rated 95+ The 2009 Martha’s Vineyard is an impressive wine with remarkable clarity and depth of flavor. The enticing dark garnet color of this Cabernet softens and elongates as you tilt the wine glass to see the translucence of the hue on the edges. Its classic, clean mint aroma evokes a smile in recognition of an “old friend”. On the palate, layers of complexity show an opulence of fruit, smoothly integrated with the core tannins of a slightly cooler growing season. This is a beautifully focused wine with textbook varietal character. The overall vibrancy of this Cabernet promises strength and balance that will carry forward for many years of enduring enjoyment – a true treasure from the Oakville appellation within the Napa Valley. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

2004 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino Riserva
Wine Spectrum Rated 95+ AG: Caprili’s 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riserva is a pretty, sensual wine graced with layers of dark fruit, menthol, French oak, spices and minerals. Deceptively medium in body, the wine possesses surprising weight that blossoms with time in the glass. Sweet scents of tobacco, leather and licorice add further complexity. Today the tannins are a touch vigorous, so a few years of cellaring seem warranted. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

2007 Scacciadiavoli, Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG
Wine Spectrum Rated 94+ Rich and complex, densely colored, almost black ruby red in color. Leather and vanilla flavors are dominant. It is a full bodied wine, yet elegant and balanced. An ideal pairing with red meats and roasts. Drink now or cellar for the next decade. 100% Sagrantino. For centuries the Sagrantino grapes were hung up to dry and pressed to make a sweet “Sagrantino dolce” wine. This wine, with a pleasantly tannic hint, was often paired with roast lamb, boar dishes, or wild pigeon. Recently, the modern wine making techniques have made it possible to rediscover and appreciated the wide range of flavors, the aromatic delicacy and the truly distinctive body and personality of the “Sagrantino” wine. The Sagrantino is a rare example of a local vine, which successfully rivals the great internationally renowned wines. “Montefalco Sagrantino” is a wine is at its best when aged for long periods of over 20 years.