Study Up on Classic Cabernets ft. Staglin, Shafer, and More!

Awarded 94 points by Vinous, 93 points by Wine Enthusiast and 92 points by International Wine Report. The 2022 Dineen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon opens with black cherry, red berry jam and cranberry, accented by molasses, pink peppercorn and toffee. Soft, velvety tannins carry black plum, prune and blackberry through cocoa nib, nutmeg and an elegant, lingering finish.

The 2021 Madrigal Las Viñas del Señor Cabernet Sauvignon is a Napa Valley bottling from a long-running estate cuvée. Historical reviews of the same cuvée describe red and black berry bramble, coconut and sweet-toned tannins in a medium-bodied style. This profile is a best available approximation because no 2021 tasting note was found.

Awarded 96 points by James Suckling. The 2023 Synthesis Cabernet Sauvignon draws on Napa sites in Diamond Mountain, Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Mt. Veeder and Oak Knoll. Blackberry, cassis, blueberry, cocoa, espresso and sweet tobacco sit over fine tannins and fresh acidity, with graphite, cedar and vanilla extending the polished finish.

Dutcher Crossing's 2022 Cooney Reserve Cabernet layers blackberry, plum and brandied cherry with cocoa, cedar and baking spice, framed by velvety tannins and bright acidity.

92pt - Wine Enthusiast. Boysenberry, cassis and violets lead to blackberry, dark chocolate, cinnamon and licorice, lifted by lively acidity and rich tannins.

Ghostwriter’s Black Ridge Cabernet captures the Santa Cruz Mountains with cherry, cedar, graphite and herbal lift, pairing ripe fruit with firm tannins and mountain freshness.

The 2017 Rutherford Ranch Franklin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark berry, plum, sweet oak and tobacco. Bing cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate fill a round, juicy palate framed by soft tannins. Fruit from the family's eight-acre Rutherford estate and 18 months in French oak give the wine earthy depth and a polished finish.

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

95pt - Wine Enthusiast. Shafer's 2022 TD-9 Cabernet layers cassis, ripe blackberry and pine with graphite, warming spice and a generous, structured palate.

93pt - James Suckling. Mt. Veeder Cabernet offers black currant, dark berries, graphite and oyster shell. Firm fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity drive a mineral finish.

Silverado's 2022 Abel Cabernet reflects Stags Leap's steep shale soils with dark fruit, firm structure and polished tannins shaped by western exposure.

92pt - James Suckling. Sequoia Grove Rutherford Bench Reserve is a medium-bodied Cabernet blend with fresh blackberry, blackcurrant, clove and black olive.

The Addendum Napa Cabernet brings a flavor profile of blackberry, spiced plum, dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco with a creamy palate framed by smooth, melted tannins.

Awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast. The 2021 Crowley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is tightly structured and deeply concentrated, with toasted oak, wood char, graphite, cooked blueberry and black cherry. Firm tannins wrap a silky texture, giving this Spring Mountain wine the depth and structure to benefit from extended cellaring.

94pt - Decanter. Tilth's 2023 Reserve Cabernet combines blackberry, black currant and plum with mocha, cedar and graphite, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins.

The 2021 Waugh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied and layered, opening with rich black fruit, tobacco, cedar and clove. Well-structured yet elegant tannins frame the concentrated Napa fruit, giving the wine a balanced, complex mouthfeel and a long finish.

97pt - Jeb Dunnuck. Aida Estate Cabernet offers dark red and blue fruit with tobacco, scorched earth and graphite. Layered texture and ripe tannins frame a pure, focused finish.