Chateau d'Arcins Haut-Medoc 2008 Bordeaux Red Wine, $16.79-$22.99, 86+ points, poured nearly core black grading purple/red toward the still broad clear wine ring at the leggy glass bowl.
I'm always surprised when wine aromas have among them grape notes among the black fruit, but there it was, with hints of marzipan and licorice.
Medium to medium-plus body, good acidity, mellow, yet substantial tannins were supportive, but comfortable.
Flavors of bacon fat, boysenberry, hints of tobacco with mint were okay, if a bit thin.
Finished well on easy spice notes, the trailing palate, and a respectable 13% alcohol.
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"The Calling" Alexander Valley 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, $24.99-$32.99, 90 points, poured a deep red with maroon flashes grading bright purple/red toward the broad clear wine ring and leggy glass wall.
Smells of black currant and other black fruit with anise and plum were good.
Near full-bodied with good acidity and appropriately supportive tannin managed flavors reflective of the nose accented by blueberry and cedar notes.
Finished long on warm spices and the 14.5% alcohol.
At $25, this Cabernet has a high QPR.
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Martin Códax Rias Baixas 2014 Albariño (Spain),
$13.99-$15.99, 90 points, was a light golden color grading clear at the glass edge.
Honey, apples, pome blossoms, and a hint of mango aromas were wonderful.
Light-bodied (bone dry) with mouth-watering acidity carried a light mineral flavor accented with distinctive cumquat, and a nearly undiscernible effervescent lime with peach flavors.
Finished long on tart cumquat, orange peel, lime, and an innocuous 12% alcohol.
Paired well with my Yellow-fin tuna salad and chips.
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Chateau Nicot 2009 Bordeaux, $10.80-$15.49, 86 points, was a deep purple/red with a clear wine ring and heavily draped glass bowl.
Subtle blackberry and plum aromas were barely noticeable, but nothing unpleasant.
Near full-bodied, good acidity, and firm supportive tannin managed black fruit flavors with hints of plum, pomegranate, and mint.
Finished unremarkably on the trailing palate and a noticeable 14% alcohol, but still a yeoman's red table wine.
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Hess (The Collection Allomi) Napa Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.99-$34.99, 90 points, appeared opaque maroon/ruby-red trending a more traditional crushed blackberries purple/red at the transparent rim.
Blueberry and black fruit aromas with sea-breezes, cedar, and cocoa smells were good.
Full-bodied, fair to good acidity, and supportive moderate tannin managed flavors reflective of the nose with hints of licorice and sweet tobacco.
Finished medium-long on the lingering palate of easy spice notes, plum, and a sweet-spot 14.4% alcohol.
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MICA NAPA VALLEY 2012 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, $64.99-$69.99, 92+ points, poured core black grading deep purple/red at the broad clear wine ring and thick leggy bowl.
Profuse dark fruit aromas, especially black currant, dominated hints of cedar, freshly laundered linen, and coffee notes.
Huge red wine with a thick full body, fair acidity, and near perfectly layered and lusciously consistent tannin carried the nose throughout the palate, with black cherry and savory notes. Finished with a balancing spiciness and a warm 14.4% alcohol.
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Groth Oakville-Napa Valley 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, $84.99-$99.99, 96 points, poured an opaque deep red with flashes of maroon trending rosewood-red toward the broad clear wine ring with heavy sheeting at the glass edge.
The wonderfully complex aroma profile wafted mulling spices, roses, sandalwood, and toasty ripe blackberry.
Borderline full-body, good acidity, supple and appropriate tannins carried flavors reflective of the nose and a touch of sassafras with building warm spices which accelerated into the forever finish of bourbon notes, mint, and a warm well-integrated 14.5% alcohol.
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