In light of the ongoing wildfires in Northern California, Prime Cellar would like to offer some outstanding Napa wines to remind everyone why we love wine from this hard-hit region so much!
2008 LEWIS CELLARS RESERVE
$125/bottle
94 points, Wine Spectator
Aromas of melted black licorice, dried currant, sage, herb and cedar are firm and focused, full-bodied and restrained, yet deep and complex. Ends with layers of spice, smoke, mocha, mineral and cedar. Drink now through 2020.
2003 KONGSGAARD CHARDONNAY $99/bottle
94 points, Robert Parker
The 2003 Chardonnay possesses what the French call a gout de petrol, an oily, liqueur of mineral-like characteristic that, along with the honeysuckle and smoky, spicy, rich, marmalade/nectarine-like fruit character produces a profound example of grand cru California Chardonnay that ages well for 7-8 years, possibly longer (I don’t know for certain since my allotment is all consumed before that age).
2006 ARIETTA H BLOCK HUDSON
$85/bottle
91 points, Robert Parker
The 2006 Proprietary Red H Block Hudson Vineyard offers spicy, chocolaty, menthol, burning ember, red and black fruit, asphalt, truffle, graphite, and oak characteristics. While this is an impressive offering, the tannins are more noticeable than they were last year, and the wine is more closed and backward. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following two decades.
2005 HESTAN CABERNET SAUVIGNON
$115/bottle
90 points, Robert Parker
The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a nose of creosote, blackberries, and blueberries, medium to full-bodied flavors displaying pure, concentrated black fruits, a sense of elegance, sweet tannin, and a good finish. It should drink well for 10-14 years.
2010 PRIDE MOUNTAIN VINTNER SELECT
$80/bottle
96 points, Robert Parker
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner’s Select (100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20 months in 40% new French oak) is also an exceptional effort. It boasts a deep purple color along with a classic bouquet of spring flowers, black currants, blackberries, vanillin and graphite. This forceful, rich, well-balanced Cabernet possesses well-integrated acidity, tannin, alcohol and oak. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
