Cabernet Franc

Olga Raffault

Les Picasses Chinon Cabernet Franc 2019

Wow. A richer, darker, and more concentrated Picasses than I’ve had in some time. Oak is also a bit more gratuitous than I’m used to for this wine. Blackberries, currant, moss, anise. This can go the distance, but definitely a bit hot. Still one of my favorite wines in the world for consistent quality to price ratio and age-ability. — 9 days ago

romo, Ira and 2 others liked this

Château Montrose

Saint-Estèphe Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2008

Youthful showing mostly black fruits with cedar, graphite, mocha, spice & tobacco — 8 days ago

Somm, Jan and 15 others liked this
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

😍 my fav!

Austin Hope

Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

As good as advertised! The nose permeates the air immediately upon uncorking! And what a nose it is! The ripe fruits just burst out of the bottle before you finish pouring the first few ounces. Full bodied, great mouthfeel, mild tannins but enough to think it could age a bit very nicely. But, why wait when it’s drinking so well already. Even though it sells in the $65-70 range nationally, my local wine store has it for under $40 which makes it quite the bargain. Will definitely be stocking up!! — 12 days ago

Robin, Dave and 4 others liked this

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2021

Pop and pour 375ml bottle. Dark ruby red color. On the nose: dark cherry, toasty oak, licorice, floral. Taste: young and tannic, give it time. — 13 hours ago

Brenda Terzich-Garland
with Brenda
Tom, Brenda and 9 others liked this

Château Lynch-Bages

Grand Cru Classé Pauillac Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 1975

Showing well at 50 yrs, still fresh with good acidity. Classic LB with red & black fruit, currant, cedar, leather, graphite, spice & tobacco leaf — 2 days ago

Eric, Jean-Philip and 10 others liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Ron Siegel scary 1975 is 50 years ago

Justin Vineyards & Winery

Isosceles Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2019

Justin’s finest, this vintage is 70 percent Cab, 11 percent Cab Franc, 10 percent Merlot. Black cherry. Smooth from the Merlot and age. August 2025. — a month ago

Dave, Tom and 6 others liked this

Dunn Vineyards

Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

It was fine. Maybe a bit immature but it was unfocused and limited vs expectations. Strong tea notes. Limited fruit and more alcohol than typical. — 12 days ago

Tom, Jeroen and 20 others liked this

Opus One

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2011

Opus One 2011
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A Bordeaux-style blend from one of Napa’s most iconic estates, co-founded by Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The 2011 vintage was a challenging, cool year in Napa, producing wines of lower alcohol, more restraint, and higher acidity compared to the opulent, sun-soaked vintages before and after. Blend typically centers on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with blackcurrant, cassis, and dried cherry layered with graphite, violets, tobacco leaf, and hints of cedar and espresso. As it evolves in the glass, notes of leather, savory herbs, and cocoa powder emerge.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied compared to more powerful Opus vintages, with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins. Elegant and balanced, showing more finesse and structure than richness. The finish lingers with red and black fruits, spice, and a touch of earth.

Winemaking Notes
Aged in French oak for 18 months. The cooler season resulted in smaller yields, but a style closer to classic Bordeaux restraint rather than plush Napa ripeness.

Food Pairing
Beautiful with herb-crusted lamb, grilled duck breast, wild mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Comté.

Verdict
A vintage that divided critics due to its lighter profile, but for those who enjoy elegance and classical structure, the 2011 Opus One is a refreshing outlier. Drink now, though it still has a few years of graceful life ahead. Cheers!
— 6 days ago

Ira, Ted and 9 others liked this

Orin Swift

Papillon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2021

Ted
9.4

Always have loved the label. Ripe fresh blueberry. Soft edges. Always a winner for me. — 11 days ago

Jeni
with Jeni
Tom, Raul and 12 others liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2009

Delicious per usual. Last had 2 years ago and this is in a nice place. Perfect with skirt steak off the grill. A treat. — a month ago

Dave, Ira and 4 others liked this
Dave

Dave

A treat, indeed!