January 19, 2013
Treasure Island,
San Francisco
Most competitions go straight to medals, the Cabernet Shootout provides concerted, then condensed reviews, divided between women and men judges, providing the most thorough, quotable, consumer friendly, and accessible results in the industry from a diverse panel of experts. Reviews of our Rex Family Wines; Deerfield Ranch and Arroba @Wine are posted below.
BEST OF CLASS:
Deerfield 2007 Zukowski Cabernet Sauvignon
Knights Valley, $65.00
150 cases produced
Female: Dried cherry and herbs intertwine with tea box spice on the nose. There is a very alluring quality to this wine. Earthy, spicy, cherry flavors pick up speed mid-palate. Love the well placed oak treatment and savory notes throughout. 91
Male: Deep crimson in color. Complex aromas of leather, dust, cocoa, and cherry-cola open to rich blackberry and cassis flavors with oak, spice, and black pepper accents. Creamy and delicious. 91
BEST OF CLASS:
Arroba @Wine 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma Valley, $40.00
2050 cases produced
Female: The black cherry with espresso and cola nose is replicated on the palate. Lovely oak treatment. Nice wine! 90
Male: In the glass, a ruby/orange rim, opaque to the edge. Bell pepper, chocolate, dark berry, and dust on the nose. Chocolate, bell pepper, red cherry, red plum, and oak flavors with raspberry, dust and leather on the finish. 90
GOLD AWARD:
Arroba @Wine 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
Sonoma County, $24.00
520 cases produced
Female: Nice spiced nose with plum, lavender, cherry, and smoke aromas. Cherry and mocha flavors. Dried herbs and coffee notes on the finish. 90
Male: Warm black fruit with light coffee notes on the nose. Lively palate of raspberry and cassis. Big, fruity and balanced. 91
GOLD AWARD:
Deerfield 2006 Rancho Salina Cabernet Blend
Sonoma Valley, $85.00
485 cases produced
Female: Brown baking spices in the glass. Ripe cherry with cinnamon notes on the palate. Vanilla notes on the big finish. 88
Male: Understated nicely evolved aromatics. Rich front palate of ripe red fruit leads to a well defined finish. 90
SILVER AWARD:
Deerfield 2006 DRX Cabernet Blend
Sonoma County, $85.00
275 cases produced
Female: a touch of cost and a touch of Cough syrup on the nose opening to sour cherry notes. The palate mirrors the nose with added tannin notes. Tobacco on the finish. Balanced. Young but will evolve nicely. 89
Male: Warm red fruit, spice and small oak aromas. Plum and cedar on opening. Tobacco and anise mid-palate through the finish. 87
