$20 Domestic Cabernet

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2009 Courtney Benham Napa Valley CA 13.9% $22

Light and fresh on the nose, this is full of red currant, lingonberry and iron notes over a light oak toast and espresso base. Very focused in the mouth, yet packing in a rich stream of wild strawberry and red currant fruit. The tannins here are small but nicely stiff, adding an austere counterpoint to the rather sweet fruit which lends this an Old World edge. There’s a noticeable stripe of vanilla through the back end. Sweetening baking spice builds with black currant fruit, extending over the wood on the moderately long finish. Might benefit from some time in the bottle, say 12-18 months, but it’s attractive already. 89pts

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mbakich

Hand of Snooth

890341 2

Where was the selection from Paso Robles?

Dec 20, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Foxall

Hand of Snooth

262583 2,223

With a little persistence, you can often find the St. Supery for under $20, even as low as $16. It's a buyer's market for wine right now, and the "value" Napa Cabs and even some of the stars can be had for a great price.

Dec 20, 2011 at 5:22 PM
Gregory-
Dal Piaz

Hand of Snooth Voice of Snooth

89065 90,051

The Paso reviews go live tomorrow. A great set of wines that really outperformed.

Agreed, some of these wines are just not moving, and not due to quality or value.

Dec 20, 2011 at 5:27 PM
speros99

1010147 1

Write your comment here.

Jan 02, 2012 at 10:31 AM
speros99

1010147 1

Write your comment here.

Jan 02, 2012 at 10:31 AM