Wine Exclusivo Club
2019 NINER BOOTJACK
This cleverly complex and impressive blend of 34% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, 5% Grenache, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot is another high value: It's muscular but also nuanced.
Black-fruit tones predominate but are merely the core of a broad sensory spectrum. Spice and light toast notes from French oak (45% new) lend complexity, and the likely cost of those barrels makes one wonder how this wine snuck past the company accountants.
$40 @ Big Box Retailers
2020 QUINTO DO VALE MEAO MEANDRO
The 2020 Meandro do Vale Meão is a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 35% Touriga Franca, 10% Tinta Roriz and dollops of Tinta Barroca and Alicante Bouschet for the rest, all aged in used French oak for 14 months. Pretty floral and spice notes waft through flavors of blackberry confit, fig cake, espresso and herbes de provence in this juicy red, which is well-balanced and accessible, with light, fine tannins.
Named after the major bend in the Douro river that surrounds the Meão vineyards, this second wine of the estate is firm, structured with dense tannins.
$40 @ Big Box Retailers
2019 FERRARI CARANO TRESOR
Aptly named “Trésor” for “treasure,” Ferrari-Carano presents its finest blend of the five classic Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot – selected from exceptional vineyard blocks in Knights, Alexander, and Dry Creek Valleys.
Trésor is an elegant, full-bodied wine with rich texture and layers of flavor. Aromas of wild berries, cola and caramel lead to silky plum, mocha and vanilla flavors. Notes of cedar and black cassis glide across the palate in a long and expressive finish. This wine is delicious now and will drink well for 7-10 years.
71% Cabernet Sauvignon,8% Malbec, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot
$49 @ Big Box Retailers
2022 VINEYARD 29 CRU CABERNET
The 2022 CRU Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a surprisingly youthful and fresh, yet full-bodied and concentrated wine from what was considered a warmer vintage in Napa Valley.
Brambly blackberry, ripe blueberry and violet aromas are complemented by hints of mocha and roasted coffee bean provided by beautifully integrated fine grain, thin stave, French oak barrels.
Juicy upon entry, rich and round throughout, this wine boasts an ideal acid structure and firm tannin profile. CRU is consistently crafted to be enjoyed upon release but this fine Napa Valley Cabernet will age gracefully for well over a decade.
