2014 Daou Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $54.95

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Winery Tasting Notes: “A classically styled Cabernet with a highly perfumed nose offering black cherry, cassis, anise and black olive, together with notes of plum, graphite, dried herbs, crushed gravel and Oregon blackberry. Secondary aromas of leather, cigar box and incense reveal deep, harmonious complexity. Powerful, bold and brooding, bursting with layers of black and blue fruits. Boysenberry, blueberry, spicy currant and black plum with accents of sandalwood and toffee. Dark roast espresso, hints of vanilla and lavender potpourri. Flavors are focused in their intensity and beautifully structured, balancing power and finesse throughout the mid palate. A continuing evolution of pure fruit flavors is experienced with this wine’s amazingly long and elegant finish.”

Wine Advocate, 93 Points: “Offers full-bodied, ripe and voluptuous notes of crème de cassis, black currants, coffee beans and ample sweet oak. It has a serious, tightly wound and tannic feel, and will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age.

Blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot

Alcohol Level: 14.5%

Cases Produced: 1,000

Winemaker Name: Georges J. Daou

Maturity: Up to 15 years, according to Robert Parker

Pairings: This is a big but graceful wine that would mate amicably with tenderloin tip or a big, juicy choice chunk o’steak.