California Cabernet & Reds from Corison & Cliff Lede with a Rare $455 Opus One!

93pt - James Suckling. Beringer Distinctions Cabernet shows currant, blackberry, black olive and floral notes in a juicy, medium-to-full-bodied frame.

94pt - Decanter. This Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet layers cassis, redcurrant, plum, tobacco and earthy spice with bay leaf and mountain herbs. Fine-grained tannins frame a bright, mineral and persistent finish.

Deerfield’s Bensi Vineyard Cabernet shows Moon Mountain depth, layering blackberry and cassis with cocoa, cedar and savory spice over polished mountain tannins.

The 2021 Bougetz Ardante is a Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon from the high-elevation Yates Family Vineyard. Black fruit, blackberry, black cherry and spice fill the full-bodied palate, while firm, mouth-coating tannins give the wine a youthful edge and substantial aging potential.

94pt - VertdeVin. Chateau Montelena's 2021 Napa Cabernet layers cassis, blackberry, plum, dried tobacco and herbs with polished fruit, firm structure and fresh acidity.

93pt - Ken's Wine Guide. Napa Cabernet layers black cherry, cassis and cocoa with cola, licorice and cedar. Fine-grained tannins shape a lush, rounded palate and lingering finish.

95pt - Decanter. Hess Collection’s Mount Veeder Cabernet combines dark berries, spearmint and wild herbs with cocoa, toffee and espresso. Dense tannins, stony minerality and savory freshness shape the finish.

94pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Double Diamond’s 2023 Oakville Cabernet offers red and black fruit with floral lift, spicy oak and cedar. Its medium-bodied palate is pure, layered and seamless, with polished tannins and a balanced finish.

The 2019 Alta Nova Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon layers red and black cherry, cassis, cranberry and pomegranate with violet and rose petal. Green olive, anise and peppercorn add savory contrast, while firm tannins drive a full-bodied yet balanced palate into a smooth, persistent finish.

Lambert Bridge Cabernet Sauvignon offers cassis, blackberry and dark cherry with cedar, graphite and savory herbs, framed by firm tannins and fresh acidity.

Ramazzotti’s 2021 Alexander Valley Cabernet blends black currant with honey and cinnamon over a smooth palate. Cabernet Franc and Merlot add dimension to its Cabernet core before a very dry, structured finish.

Cliff Lede's 2022 Howell Mountain Cabernet layers currant, blackberry, fig and forest floor with white pepper, savory herbs and soft, integrated tannins.

96pt - Wine Enthusiast. DuMOL's Napa Cabernet layers cassis, blackberry, black cherry and Kalamata olive with sweet tobacco, lilac and anise. Sleek, gravelly tannins carry a long, savory finish with poise.

94pt - Wine Enthusiast. Sequoia Grove's 2017 Lamoreaux Cabernet layers silky red fruit, cassis and spice over structured tannins and generous oak.

Swanson’s 2021 Alexis Cabernet layers ripe red fruit, plum and cocoa with vanilla, espresso and dark chocolate. Robust tannins and firm acidity frame its rich texture, nuanced palate and persistent finish.

93pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Fait-Main’s 2022 Napa Cabernet delivers savory black fruit, cassis, plum and dark chocolate with espresso and anise. Velvet tannins, fresh spice and mineral energy drive a long finish.

Smith Story Pickberry Vineyard Cabernet shows black currant, plum, cedar, dried herbs and mineral detail, with firm tannins and fresh acidity shaping a structured finish.

95pt - Owen Bargreen. Corison's Napa Cabernet layers red and black fruit with spicy herbs, anise, floral lift and a wet-stone mineral note. The palate is polished and understated, with poised structure.

93pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Alpha Omega's 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet layers blue fruit, cassis, scorched earth and tobacco over seamless texture and a balanced finish.

Gaslighter’s 2019 Howell Mountain Cabernet layers blueberry, cassis, truffle and forest floor with baking spice. Sweet tannins support a pure, multidimensional palate and a persistent, rounded finish.

Forthright's Calistoga Cabernet opens with red flowers, rose petals and black fruit. Wild blackberry and peppercorn lead a concentrated palate, while vanilla and toffee linger on the savory finish with length.

94pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Lancaster Estate’s 2019 Cabernet layers redcurrant, kirsch and blackberry with leather, cedar, violets and turned earth. Rounded tannins shape a full-bodied, concentrated finish with savory depth.

98pt - James Suckling. Pure currant and cassis aromas lead into a medium- to full-bodied palate with exceptional polish. Fine tannins, freshness and agility shape a delicate, sophisticated Cabernet with a graceful finish.

96pt - Decanter. Heitz Martha's Vineyard Cabernet layers black cherry, plum and dark berry with mint, brown spice, earth, tobacco and leather. Bright acidity and powdery tannins carry a composed finish.

95pt - Wine Spectator. Caymus Special Selection 2020 delivers plum sauce, blackberry preserves and melted licorice with black tea, incense and chocolate. Its broad, polished finish carries a lingering smoky edge.

Rated 99 points by James Suckling, the 2021 Opus One is an age-worthy Napa Valley red with violets, cherry blossom, blue and black fruit, blackcurrant, blueberry, cinnamon, graphite, fine-grained tannins and a long polished finish.