California, Cabernet Sauvignon

86 Points - Wine Enthusiast, December 2009
"Soft and luscious, a dry, delicately structured wine with flavors of raspberry parfait, ripe crushed red cherries, anise and sandalwood. Drink now." -Steve Heimoff

87 Points - Wine Advocate, August 2009
"Another top value, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon offers spicy, cedary, black currant notes intermixed with hints of roasted herbs and smoke. Medium-bodied with excellent fruit, good purity, and an adequate finish, it can be drunk over the next 2-3 years." -Robert Parker

94 Points - Wine Spectator, May 2010
"A brilliant 2006, with gorgeous, rich, supple and juicy blackberry-laced Cabernet flavors that are bold and intense, yet supple and refined, with complex mocha, roasted herb, espresso and anise flavors that combine power with finesse. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made. Highly Recommended." -James Laube

94 Points - Wine Advocate, December 2009
"The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) possesses aromas of creme de cassis, white chocolate, espresso roast, dusty, loamy soil, and a full-bodied structure. With rich, powerful flavors that cascade over the palate as well as beautiful purity and depth, it will be even better with another 2-4 years of cellaring, and is capable of lasting 20-25 years." -Robert Parker

Wine Advocate # 157 (Feb 2005)
Rating: 90 points
"The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits a fruit-forward personality, along with notes of melted licorice, black currants, tobacco leaves, and sweet oak in a lush, medium-bodied style with no hard edges. There are 4,400 cases of this 2002, which should enjoy broad crowd appeal." -Robert Parker

88 Points - Wine Advocate, August 2009
“As one might expect, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (which is blended with Syrah and Merlot) is a slightly deeper wine displaying a more saturated ruby/purple color in addition to sweet creme de cassis, smoked herb, loamy soil, cedar, and spice characteristics. It should drink well for 3-4 years. I enjoyed Avalon’s 2006 efforts, and in 2007 (a brilliant vintage throughout California for nearly every varietal) they have again turned in strong performances.” –Robert Parker

95 Points - Wine Advocate, December 2007
"The final blend for the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve has turned out fabulously. The wine’s dense purple color is accompanied by a rich, sumptuous bouquet of creme de cassis, lead pencil shavings, chocolate, toast, and spice box. It possesses fabulous fruit, low acidity, a rich, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a long, pure finish. This cuvee remains one of the most underrated great Cabernet Sauvignons of Napa. In vintages such as this, it is capable of lasting 20-25 years." -Robert Parker

Wine Advocate Issue 180 (Dec 2008)
Rating: 87 points
"The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley exhibits aromas of sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, chocolate, earth, and subtle smoky oak, medium to full body, and a seductive, round, silky texture. Enjoy it over the next decade."

Grapes from Monterey County enhance spicy, peppery fruit, Sonoma County adds richness and complexity, while Napa Valley fruit provides depth and concentration to the final blend of our Cabernet Sauvignon. This varietal displays a rich ruby hue with aromatics that unleash a fusion of pepper, exotic spices and ripe plum. The robust palate is well-balanced with appealing flavors of raspberry, black cherry, ripe plum and rich spices.

Ratings for Previous Vintage:

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast, December 2009
"Here’s a stellar example of how a really good Cabernet can be made without gouging the consumer. This is a dry, elegant and rich wine, with firm tannins housing flavors of blackberries, currants, herbs, spices and smoky cedar wood. It’s a terrific value. Best Buy."

87 Points - Wine Spectator, November 2009
"Tight and intense, built around a core of cedary oak, dried currant, herb, mineral and tobacco that are chewy and rustic, with gutsy tannins. Drink now through 2017. 100,000 cases made." -James Laube

"Cabernet Sauvignon is a grape that takes its own sweet time, slowly lingering to ripen on the vine. We are rewarded by its reluctance. Overwhelming cherry and vivid plums create a welcome first impression, while touches of green tea leaves and leather nestle themselves among the spicy, saucy fruit. Fourteen months in American barrels have produced touches of melted caramel and white pepper. With well-integrated tannins and a rich and round finish, this wine will be a favorite for years to come." -The Winery

" Our Cabernet is grown on the western side of Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. The hillside terroir nurtures very consistent and low yield vines that produce a signature Burgess wine each vintage. Our Cabernet has multiple layers of varietal character and a richness that only mountain fruit can supply. Because of low yields, a spicy aroma infused with berry tones predominates over a generous body and a lasting finish." -The Winery