I’ve only visited California’s most famous wine region – Napa Valley – once. But I was quite taken by the place. It’s actually a really good place to grow wine grapes, and makes some really superbwines. You can’t bash the wine region for the stylistic extremes and bad taste of some of the wineries, while there are others doing such good work. Here are two very drinkable Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. They were both finished, and not just tasted.
Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley, California
14.9% alcohol. Rich blackcurrant and blackberry fruit with some spicy, grippy tannins. Grippy with good balance between the ripe fruit and tarry, tannic structure. It carries the alcohol really well: a satisfying wine. 91/100
Grgich Hills Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley, California
14.8% alcohol. Initially on opening the oak is a little apparent, but after a while this recedes to show warm berry fruits with some spice and mineral notes, as well as cherry and plum. Not a heavy wine, but nicely balanced with a bit of earthy, spicy structure. Satisfying and balanced. 91/100
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3 Comments on Two Cabernets from Napa Valley: Silverado and Grgich Hills
I’m glad you are getting to the region. Have been a couple times myself I have become partial to the Paul Hobbs, Frog’s Leap and Ramey in addition to the numerous other good vineyards. My only issue is just the price !
Thanks for reviewing our 2006 Cabernet and giving it such prominent placement on your post. Let us know if you come out the Napa Valley again. It would be our pleasure to show you our winery and vineyards.
I like the winemaker (and assistant winemaker) at Silverado however I think their Sauvignon blanc is better than their Cab. And I think you’d enjoy a tour of Grgich as they practice biodynamic farming. But there are better Cabs than these two to be had in Napa… although Gregory does have a point about the prices!!!