Scouting for the tastiest cabernet sauvignons and red blends.
Wine writer Peg Melnik had a blind tasting this week of cabernet sauvignons and red blends, with a syrah-based wine in the mix. Our wine of the week winner is the Ferrari-Carano, 2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, at $34 a bottle.
TOP PICK
Ferrari-Carano
2006 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($34), 14.5 percent. ****
An elegant, refined cabernet sauvignon with aromas and flavors of black cherry, a hint of plum, herbs and spice. Great balance. Good structure. Good length.
Others worth noting:
Longboard Cellars, 2007 Point Break Red North Coast Red Blend, $21,14.6 percent. ****
A complicated red with a good concentration of fruit. Notes of blackberry, plum, anise and cracked black pepper. The blend is 58.5 percent syrah; 33.3 cabernet, 4.8 malbec, 2.4 carignane and 1 zin.
Duckhorn, 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet, $65, 14.5 percent. ****
A smoky, earthy cab with good structure and firm tannins. Notes of blackberry, black cherry, herbs and spice. Deep flavors.
Genesis, Hogue's 2007 Columbia Valley Meritage, $18, 14.4 percent. ***?
A spicy red blend with notes of black cherry, cherry, dried herbs and spice. It's approachable and has some complexity.
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