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You are here: Home > Christine's Top 15 Must Have Cabs


Below is a list of Christine's Top 10 Must-Have Napa Cabernet Sauvignon wines. These wines offer outstanding quality, terrific aging potential and great value for the price point.

1. 2005 Rockledge Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • The vineyard and winery sits right above Joseph Phelps Vineyard.
  • The Winemaker is Mike Hirby who makes the very elite Behrens & Hitchcock and Realm Cellars Cabernet, both are mailing list allocated items.
  • Received 92 points from BOTH Robert Parker & Stephen Tanzer.
  • Small production and aged 100% in new French Oak: 40% Darnajou, 40% Taransaud, and 20% Sylvain
  • 2005 was an excellent vintage for Napa Valley Cabernets.
  • Was $60, which was already a good price; NOW ONLY $39.99 which makes this wine an absolute bargain.
  • Most importantly, it is absolutely gorgeous in taste. It is a true Napa Valley Cab Lover's dream with big opulent fruits and chocolate, balanced out by solid tannins and good acidity.
2. 2005 Cavus Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • The Winemaker is David Phinney
  • Received 95 points from Wine Spectator
  • Only 320 cases made; mostly everyone is sold out of this wine. We still have a few and at the best pricing possible.
  • From Stag's Leap District.
  • 2005 was an excellent vintage for Napa Valley Cabernets.
3. 2006 Mica Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Winemaker is Celia Welch Masyczek, who makes "cult" wines such as Scarecrow (at auction this wine was higher priced than the Chateau Petrus), D.R. Stephens, Buccella and Staglin.
  • The Mica is the 2nd label of the "cult" Buccella wines.
  • Limited production and the inaugural release.
  • Our best selling Cabernet at this price-point; the crowd favorite at our last high-end tasting.
4. 2006 Wolf Family Vineyard "Phaedrus" Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Only 575 cases produced.
  • All estate grown fruit from the famed Inglewood Estate.
  • Vineyard Manager is Jim Barbour - one of the most respected vineyard managers with over 30 years experience working with: | Amuse Bouche | Barbour Vineyards | Barnett Vineyard | Bella Oaks Vineyard | Blank Vineyards | Blankiet Vineyards | Bidwell Creek Vineyards | Cain Vineyards | Cakebread Vineyards – Howell Mountain | Chiarello Vineyards | DR Stephens | Fleming Vineyards | Grace Family Vineyard | Hundred Acre Wine Estate | Husic Vineyards | Keever Vineyards | La Sirena Vineyards | Lynch Vineyards | Narsi David Vineyards | Parallel Vineyards | Pillar Rock Vineyards | Policy Vineyards | Revana Family Vineyards | Seaver Vineyards | Snowden Vineyards | Von Strasser Vineyards | Wolf Vineyards | York Creek Vineyard.
  • Winemaker is Karen Culler who has worked with Robert Mondavi, Vichon, Renteria Wines, Ladera, Rivera Vineyards.
  • Received 93 points from Robert Parker.
  • Very balanced Bordeaux (Meritage) blend; very velvety mouthfeel with a creamy, unctuous and lingering finish.
5. 2006 O’Shaughnessy Mt. Veeder Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • The Winemaker is Sean Capiaux who has worked with Jordan, Pine Ridge and Peter Michael.
  • Received 95 points from both Robert Parker & Stephen Tanzer, 92 points from Wine Spectator.
  • Only 800 cases produced.
  • This is a Cab for those who are Bordeaux lovers and relish in the abundance of structure in a well-made Cabernet. The delectable dark chocolate truffles and black fruit balances out the gripping
6. 2007 Caymus Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • 2007 is an outstanding vintage for Napa Cabernets.
  • Almost half the price of the Caymus Special Selection.
  • In a Wine Spectator article of the 50 Best Napa Cabs over a 16 year span, the Caymus Cab came in #11 (this was tabulated by combining all the scoring over the past 16 years)
7. 2007 Caymus Cabernet Special Select - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Just released, not yet rated.
  • 2007 is an outstanding vintage for Napa Cabernets.
  • Almost half the price of the Caymus Special Selection.
  • In a Wine Spectator article of the 50 Best Napa Cabs over a 16 year span, the Caymus Cab came in #1 (this was tabulated by combining all the scoring over the past 16 years)
  • I just tasted this wine this weekend and it is a tremendous powerhouse of addictive dark mocha, vanilla, blackberry, raspberry, cedar aromas and flavors.
8. 2006 Cliff Lede Cabernet Stag’s Leap - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Cult winemaking team from Colgin: Michelle Edwards and Philip Melka from Chateau Haut Brion, Chateau Petrus, and Dominus-named one of the TOP 9 wine consultants in the world by Robert Parker.
  • Received 92 points from Wine Spectator.
  • From Stag's Leap District.
  • Sumptuous yet sophisticated; tremendous price to value ratio with notes of dark chocolate and roasted espresso. This wine has both girth and length from aromas in the beginning to the lingering finish.
9. 2006 Vine Cliff - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • In a Blind tasting on August 3rd, Vine Cliff Oakville Estate Cabernet ranked #2 against the competitors such as Screaming Eagle, Colgin Herb Lamb, Dalla Valle Maya, Schrader To Kalon, and Harlan
  • Received 92 points from Wine Spectator, outscoring the the cults… again:
    91pts ~ 2006 Screaming Eagle; Wine Spectator August 17, 2009
    91pts ~ 2006 Dalla Valle; Wine Spectator August 17, 2009
    91pts ~ 2006 Araujo Eisele; Wine Spectator August 17, 2009
    90pts ~ 2006 Bond Oakville St. Eden; Wine Spectator August 17, 09
  • From the Oakville Estate in Napa Valley.
  • Amazing breadth and depth in aromas and taste; has a very concentrated core of dark chocolate, cassis and blackberry fruits with a smidgen of pencil lead and leather.
10. 2007 Beau Vigne "Juliet" Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • The Winemaker is David Phinney.
  • Not yet rated, 2006 vintage received 93 points from Robert Parker
  • 2007 is an exceptional year for Napa Cabernets
  • From Stag's Leap District
  • Much less in pricing than their Reserve Cab which received 96 points from Robert Parker. He compared it to the Shafer Hillside Select.
  • If you love immense, opulent Cabernets with cocoa, dark black fruit and massive structure than this is your ideal Cabernet.
11. 2007 Amuse Bouche - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Wine?
  • The Winemaker is Heidi Barrett of famed Screaming Eagle.
  • Collector's Wine.
  • Limited Production.
  • Sells out every year; even now.
  • Goes for a high pricing at auction.
  • I just tasted this wine this morning and it has an unbelievably velvety mouth feel and an exquisite and addictively lengthy finish comprising of anise, spice, cocoa shavings and graphite.
12. 2006 Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa Cab - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Scored 96 points from Wine Spectator.
  • The highest rated Mondavi Reserve Cabernet ever
  • The 2004 vintage got 95 points in Wine Spectator and Rank #9 in the Top 100 wines of 2007.
  • Probably will make the Wine Spectator's Top 100 for 2010.
  • Also scored 94 points from Robert Parker, and 93 from Stephen Tanzer.
  • Lowest pricing in the USA -take advantage of this amazing offer.
  • Be the first to get this new release, arrives mid-December!
13. 2005 Altamura Napa Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Scored 95 points from Robert Parker, and 93 from Wine Spectator.
  • Frank Altamura was Winemaker at Caymus and was part of the blending team when the 1984 Caymus Special Selection received 98 points and became #1 in Wine Spectator's Top 100 in 1989.
  • 2005 was a spectacular vintage for Napa Cabs.
  • A succulent mix of black cherry, wild berry, plum and currant, a very focused wine, revealing greater depth and complexity and ending with a nice firm, tannic backbone. Will drink well and evolve for two decades, easily.
14. 2007 Amuse Bouche "Vin Perdu" Napa Cabernet - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Winemaker is the legendary Heidi Barrett, winemaker for the famous cult wineries such as Screaming Eagle, Dalle Valle, Grace Family, Hartwell.
  • Crafted from magical pieces of Barbour Vineyards, La Sirena, Revana and Amuse Bouche Winery.
  • Not yet rated, the 2006 vintage was a Cellar Selection and scored 94 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
  • Delicious blend of 44.1% Cab Sauv, 43.5% Syrah, 4.2% Petit Verdot, 3.2% Petite Sirah, 2.9% Merlot and 2.1% Cab Franc.
  • 2007 was a spectacular vintage for Napa Cabs.
  • Extremely limited, a collector's item.
  • If you cannot splurge on the Screaming Eagle or Amuse Bouche, this would be the lower price alternative.
  • The creamy mouthfeel has flavors of blackberry marmalade, dark bitter chocolate, licorice and peppery spices. Complex and refined with a mile long finish. This is the most bag for your buck as far as "cult" wines are concerned.
15. 2004 Xtant Napa Cabernet Blend - Why is this a "Must Have" Napa Cab?
  • Scored 94 points from Wine Spectator and earned a "Highly Recommended" designation. Also scored 93 from R. Parker.
  • Limited production, only 1000 cases made.
  • Unique blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 7% Malbec.
  • The Winemaker is Jeff Gaffner from the famed Saxon Brown winery; he was also assistant winemaker at Chateau St. Jean when the winemaker was the renowned Dick Arrowood.
  • A rich, graceful and seductive style that exhibits layers of ripe plum and currant and jazzy, smoky, toasty oak, with hints of mocha that fan out on a palate. Ends with succulent, supple tannins and a long, elegant finish.
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Wolf Family Vineyards Phaedrus Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (St. Helena, Napa Valley, California)
Retail Price: $46.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $35.99
You Save $10.01

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 90+ Points:
"The tannic, backward, yet at the same time, irrefutably elegant 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Phaedrus has a dense purple color and notes of red and black currants intermixed with licorice, spice box, and graphite. It is pure, rich, medium to full-bodied, but the tannin level suggests 3-4 years of cellaring is warranted. It should last at least two decades. Consultant Karen Culler is the winemaking talent behind these offerings."
Cliff Lede Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Napa Valley, California)
Retail Price: $60.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $53.99
You Save $6.01

The 2006 Cabernet lights up out of the bottle with a precocious bouquet of exotic spices and old leather. Given a moment to rest, aromas of sweet marjoram, rose oil, cardamom and blackcurrant jam evolve into exceptionally sweet floral notes of star jasmine and a touch of trumpet vine. Initial flavors of cherry deepen as fine tannins expand and unfold. Dark stone fruits mix and integrate with sweet tannins and fleshy acidity, giving way to a persimmon inspired finish that coats the mouth.

 
Beau Vigne "Juliet" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley, California) - Robert Parker [93]
Retail Price: $60.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $54.99
You Save $5.01

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 93 Points:
"A very good value in top-flight Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is Beau Vigne’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Juliet. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to abundant amounts of creme de cassis and floral characteristics, full-bodied power, supple tannins, a layered mouthfeel, and a long, savory finish. It can be enjoyed now and over the next 15+ years." (12/2009)
Buccella "Mica" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Napa Valley, California)
Retail Price: $65.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $59.99
You Save $5.01 Sorry, this vintage is sold out

About This Wine:

Mica is produced by Bill and Alicia Deem's brilliant winemaking team at Buccella (Latin for "mouthful"). The consulting winemaker is Celia Welch Masyczek, best known for her extraordinary work at Staglin, D. R. Stephens, and Scarecrow. Chris Justin is at the helm, after previous stints with Del Dotto, Carter, and Mercus!

617 case produced. The 06 Mica's blend is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Cab Franc and 1% Malbec. The wine exudes an "expensive" purity of intense black fruits, rich lush texture, and decadent mouthfeel, while still performing with a sense of lithe, grace, and refinement.
Cavus Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Napa Valley, California)
Retail Price: $90.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $78.99
You Save $11.01

Made by renowned inemaker Dave Phinney! In an effort to bring out the best in the grapes we enlisted Dave Phinney of Orin Swift. He is well known for big, full bodied wines. His wine, The Prisoner has been named to the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 for the last two years. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot. 2% Cabernet Franc. Aged in French Oak for 32 months, total production of only 350 cases.

Amuse Bouche Merlot 2007 (Napa Valley, California) - Robert Parker [93] - Wine Spectator [91]
Retail Price: $300.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $224.99
You Save $75.01

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 93 Points:
"Dominated by Merlot, but with a small amount of Cabernet Franc included in the blend, this limited production, boutique offering hits all the right spots on the palate and olfactory receptors.  Its dark ruby/purple color is accompanied by sweet aromas of plums, black cherries, soy, and oak and the wine is fleshy, textured, flamboyant, lush, and delicious.  Amuse Bouche’s finest effort to date, it can be enjoyed over the next 12-15 years." (12/2009)

 
Robert Mondavi Reserve Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (Napa Valley, California) - WS 96 Pts, RP 94 Pts, ST 93 Pts
Retail Price: $125.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $108.99
You Save $16.01

Wine Spectator Magazine - 96 Points:
"Pure, rich and concentrated, this bold, graceful wine offers a deep core of earthy currant, blackberry and plum, with hints of herb, mocha and black licorice, giving it uncommon complexity and depth. Ends with firm tannins and a long, persistent finish. Best from 2010 through 2017."

   
Amuse Bouche "Vin Perdu" Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley, California) - Wine Enthusiast [93] & Cellar Selection
Retail Price: $120.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $94.99
You Save $25.01

Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 93 Points & "Cellar Selection":
"Extraordinarily rich and ripe, this unique Cabernet-based blend contains 30% Syrah. It’s a dramatic wine, marked by a near-perfect tannin structure and massive, longlasting flavors of blackberries, black currants, chocolate, licorice, candied violets, sweet leather, peppery spices and smoky sandalwood. Marked by youthful primary fruit now, it needs time to knit together. Give it until after 2012 to come around, and should develop for many years after."
- S.H., Wine Enthusiast Magazine, February 2010
Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley, California)
Retail Price: $140.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $94.99
You Save $45.01

(2004 Vintage) Wine Enthusiast Magazine - 98 Points & Editor's Choice:
"This wine is from John Schwartz, who partners with Heidi Peterson Barrett to make Amuse Bouche. For Coup de Foudre, he has paired with Danielle Price, MS, and wine director at Wynn Las Vegas, to produce this stunning Cabernet, which contains 12% Syrah. Grown in a 5-acre Stags Leap District vineyard, it shows stunning levels of blackberry and chocolate fruit enhanced with waves of smoky oak. Yet somehow, for all the opulence and power, there’s an almost weightless elegance to the wine. Sometimes cult Cabs can lack restraint, be too obvious. This one teases with richness, then pulls back under a velvety cover of tannin. A major debut." - S.H. (4/30/2007)
Rockledge "The Rocks" Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (St. Helena, Napa Valley, California) - Stephen Tanzer [89-91]
Retail Price: $60.00
Artisan Wine Depot Price: $28.99
You Save $31.01

"Shortly after this wine was bottled in 2008, through experimentation we discovered the wine reached its peak in flavor after leaving the bottle open for 3 days. Although we are now down to a more normal one day of recommended breathing, this is still an amazingly concentrated cabernet and will age well for another 10-20 years. The flavors are typical Rockledge with its edge of spice somewhere between sage and clove providing a light compliment to the dark fruits of blackberries, plum sauce, and raspberries. At this stage in its development, upon opening the tannins are strong and you may be surprised by the dramatic evolution with air time--the day's wait will be worth it." -Winemaker, Mike Hirby