Joseph Phelps Cabernet - $250
This wine is lovely in juicy red fruit, dried herb and hints of allspice, the tannin structure firm and giving. Offering refinement and structure, it shows nuances of black currant, cherry and toasted oak. This will do well in the cellar; enjoy best from 2029–2034. 91 points
Passing Time Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 - $110
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignpn RM (there's 3% Cabernet Franc in the blend) offers both red and black fruits as well as classic Red Mountain notes of dried earth, liquid violets, and crushed rocks. Showing more blue fruits with time in the glass, it's full-bodied, fresh and nicely focused on the palate, with ripe, yet present tannin, and a great finish. Slightly tighter and more backward than the other two appellation cuvees, give it a year of two. 97 points
Quilceda Creek Galitzine Vineyard 2012 - $160
Deep inky plum/purple-colored with a huge nose of blackcurrants, singed herbs, black licorice, and scorched earth, this beast of a Washington State Cabernet has building tannin, a huge mid-palate, and a great, great finish. It needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years but will keep for 2-3 decades. 98 points
Upchurch Vineyard 2015 - $75
The aromas offer appealing notes of dried and fresh herbs along with cherry and dried orange rind and scorched earth. The palate is packed full of rich fruit flavors surrounded by firm, slightly dry tannins and tart acids. The flavors stretch out on the finish. It has enough structure to go the distance. 93 points
2018 Caymus Special Cabernet Napa Valley $225
The 2018 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is powerful and lasting on the palate. This wine offers aromas and flavors of bold black fruit and complementary oaky nuances. Each year, they set aside the best barrels of their Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley to produce Special Selection. Distinguished by extremely fine, velvety tannins and enjoyable upon release or with aging. A wine of structure with intense concentration of supple flavors and dark fruits. 94 points
Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 - $193
This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Champoux, Palengat and Wallula vineyards, all located with the Horse Heaven Hills appellation. Aromas of incense, dark fruit, licorice and barrel spice rise up from the glass, which also reveals penetrating cherry and anise notes. The flavors are rich and concentrated but far from over the top, with expertly integrated tannins. It brings a very pleasing sense of texture. Just a baby now, but it has the stuffing to go the distance. Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, one of the most influential wine publications in the world, awarded two 100-point ratings to Washington State’s family-owned Quilceda Creek Winery.
Leonetti Reserve 2014 - $190
Always their finest effort and the flagship of Leonetti. The 2014 pours into the glass dark and foreboding. The nose instantly delivers jasmine and white flowers. A second smell and taste reveal tar, asphalt, cassis, bramble fruit, white fir, and dried florals. The palate is seamless with impressive length, polish, and a plush, delicious finish. 93 points
Brian Carter Cellars Trentenaire 2017 - $50
This is a blend of 52% Petit Verdot, 21% Cabernet Franc, 13% Merlot, 10% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromas are unique, with notes of cinnamon stick, clove, orange peel, flower and cherry. Bright, juicy, lightly smoky flavors follow, settling with some time. The tannins give a squeeze. Pair it with a juicy steak. 89 points
Brian Carter Cellars Solesce 2017 - $60
This is Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (23%), Petit Verdot (7%), Cabernet Franc (6%) and Malbec. The aromas bring notes of dried cherry, tobacco and spice, seeming evolved. Cranberry and cherry flavors follow. It tastes like a substantially older wine than it is. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 88 points
Renato Ratti Barolo Marcenasco 2018 - $100
This is a classic wine proudly made with consistency over the years by the Ratti family. The 2018 Barolo Marcenasco comes from a vineyard in La Morra that has always been farmed by this estate (but that is not an official MGA). However, it is a brand in its own right known for its especially silky tannins and delicate fiber. The wine shows close-knit aromas of small berries, candied violet and crushed stone. 96 points
Allegrini Amarone Classico 2018 - $125
The result of the Allegrini family’s expertise, a true classic of the appellation, this red wine embraces tradition, territory and the know-how of country ways. Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Oseleta are left to air dry at least until December and are checked daily to ensure perfectly healthy grapes. Lengthy refining and ageing finally yields a red wine that has become emblematic of Italian oenology, alongside Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino. It has imposing structure and depth, as much in its aromas of mature fruit and spices, as on the palate, where the alcohol is sustained by the right degree of acidity and refined tannins. 94 points
Argiano Brunello di Montalcino 2018 - $150
Pure and noble, the 2018 Brunello Di Montalcino is compelling in its expressive layers yet remains transparent, with aromas of fresh leather, red cherry, cedar, anise, and fresh pine all intertwining. It is medium-bodied but fills out with wonderful purity in its notes of blood orange, raspberry, saline minerals, and mouthwatering acidity. It is a gorgeous wine to hold another couple of years and best after 2025. 94 points