A younger, more primal version of the Carpe Diem 2009 I tasted several months ago.  Much more Blueberry and less plums than the older brother.  Strong aromas of the berry and a hint of oak came through for me.  On the initial attack, the fruit was somewhat sidelined by the young tannins.  Almost mouth-puckering, these will have to meld over the next two years for this wine to really shine.  It is too young to really appreciate, yet I believe it will fill out, mellow out and really soar to a potential 91 point finish.  I bought this bottle for $25, and think it would be a 4 star wine after being cellared for 2+ years.  It should last well into 2020.

I ordered this bottle on our recent Napa trip to pair up with Duck Confit.  Three words come to mind when I think of this Napa Cabernet Sauvignon…….  Atypical, amazing and obvious.

Atypical because this wine does not follow the Napa Cab profile.  It offers delicious Napa fruit, but in a Bordeaux style, with cassis, tobacco and a hefty plum flavor.  On the nose there is a huge amount of blue fruit.  Fine grained tannins and a balanced acidity make this easy to drink, very smooth.

Amazing, because value for money this one is a home run.  At $25 or less you are getting at least 91 points IMHO of excellence.  This wine paired up to the duck with no effort, it would easily handle a juicy New York strip and I would even serve roasted chicken with it.  Talk about versatile.

Obvious, well that stems from the fact that I was so impressed with this wine that I had to research it some more- the winemaking team behind Dominus make this as a second-second label.  Now that I know the pedigree and the lineage, it resembles it’s big brother Dominus, but in a softer, more approachable way.

5 Stars for its value and flavors, 91 points as mentioned on its technical merit.  I am on my way to the local store, hoping for a case or two….

Taking one whiff of this wine reveals all.  Napa Cabernet done in a fruit forward style.  Jammy plums and red currants closeted in an oak drape.  A powerful wine that probably needs some time to integrate and take on some secondary flavors.  Right now, the tannins are delicious and will hold it together for a while.  Excellent acidity bring the package in nicely, yet I am somewhat bothered by this style of wine.  I prefer seduction and finesse as you know.  If you like it in your face, this is one for you, but take warning.  It is priced at $75 and only got a 91 point pro rating.  I would only go with 90, and considering the price and style, 2 stars.  This is a big commitment, I can think of many better uses for the cash.

On the nose, distinctive aromas of spice.  Dark purple in the glass, the spice shapes up on the initial attack and comes in with some plum flavors as well.  Very ‘sharp’ tannins are intriguing, as well as tasty.  The finish was long on this one and I really enjoyed it.  I think it has good aging potential and will mellow in three years to be quite delicious.  The wine is well made and warrants 90 points but for the price, I am giving it 3 stars.  I would cellar some bottles and drink them with juicy NY Strip steaks and sauteed mushrooms.

A muted nose (too young??) gives way to a medley of ripe young berries on the palate. Spice and cherry come through as well. The tannins are fine grained and sharp, albeit young. I feel this wine will open up in three years and mellow out to be a beauty. Right now, a babe, stick it in the cellar. 89 points and 3 stars.