1996 Cape Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon, South West Australia

Violets and a slightly gamey mustiness, as well as the brick-red color, show a wine that aged gracefully. There is still black fruit but it does not overwhelm the more delicate floral flavors. This is a nice example of Margaret River wine, an Australian Cabernet more like Bordeaux than Napa.

Wining and Dining Through Western Australia

When it comes to Australian wines most people think of densely fruity, spicy Shiraz, or robust, oaky Chardonnay from the country’s well-known wine regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. At the southwest tip of the continent, however, lies the Margaret River region of Western Australia

Make sure to stop and smell the rosé

Ahhh rose: A wonderful wine driven to exile in many domestic markets due to its striking visual similarity to the much sweeter White Zinfandel wines. That being said, it’s probably true that even if white zin were actually white, Rose would still have a tough time breaking into the young male demographic. I mean, let’s face it… the only reason white cranberry juice even exists is so that men will order “camouflage cosmopolitans”. Plus, I’ve sat in quite a few power dinners. When you’re a young professional surrounded by the would-be cast of Mad Men with their two fingers of small batch bourbon and 48 gauge churchills, you don’t want to be the guy who orders 6oz of pink grape juice. I’m just sayin’…

2004 Dry Creek Vineyards Endeavour Cabernet Sauvignon

A fantastic wine that will beat the pants off of Cali Cabs with significant price multiples. A strident example of a wine achieving balance between fruit and earth and short-term drinkability versus long-term cellaring. The complex nose of blackberry, dusty earth with hints of soy and mint gives way to a total palate experience with dark fruits, chocolate, graphite and an earthy, incredible finish. Now is the time to buy this one—discounts galore on the Internet make finding one of the bottles from just 749 cases a screaming opportunity.

2005 St. Supéry Napa Valley Dollarhide Limited Edition Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

The dense, dark garnet color was enlivened in the nose by fresh garden herbs, forest leaves and a black and red fruit complexity, complemented by the more savory loam, anise and truffle notes. The palate is where the complexity of this wine truly shined, with deep layers of the fruit medley from the nose and wonderful balance of the full, smooth mouthfeel, with the hint of oak underneath and ripe, round tannins with good acidity. It is a phenomenal combination of outstanding fruit and nuanced winemaking.

2004 Château d’Angludet, Margaux France

annic and tight, this still seems young. There is a lot of black fruit, and espresso and dark chocolate are trying to peek out from behind the leather and stems. Tannins and acid seem to be in balance, so put these back in your cellar and wait another three to five years. See more reviews of this wine on Cellar Tracker.

2005 Star Lane Vineyard Astral Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich but well-balanced dark fruit, an acid spine the gobs of fruit could hang from in comfort. It drew oohs and ahs from the crowd.

2005 Swanson Vineyards Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The Sylvia Platt of California Cabernet, lots of brooding dark fruit on the nose. Slightly gamey and brash. Lots of self-loathing.

2005 Journey’s End Cabernet Sauvignon

Some age to the Cab here; evident in a beautifully developed, complex aroma. A strong, muscular lad is this, a firm tannic structure only slightly mellowed by age, holding, like Atlas, a world of herb and liquorice edged black fruit compote, all encased in a dusty-brick whole. A tight, food-hungry, belt of acidity and a decently long length complete the statuesque whole. Alcohol 14.5%. Comprised of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon plus 8% Merlot. For other wines on this producer, see this Selection on Spittoon.

2005 Buehler Vineyards Napa Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Like the long kiss goodnight. It’s sleek, sexy and deep. Big spice and cola with just enough toasty oak on the nose to remind you who it is. It’s huge in the mouth. Smoke and anise. All the good things. The finish leaves you wanting more…so much more. Will she call the next day? Did she like my cologne?

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