91 Points - Wine Spectator
Our love of mountain Cabernet here at WineHeist is well documented; there is just something about Cabernet grown at higher elevations in Napa that takes the wines to another level. For this week's offer we traveled to Napa's highest, and perhaps most remote appellation, Atlas Peak. On the eastern side of the valley, this area begins at 760 feet in elevation, and extends all the way to the peak at 2,663 feet. Cobblestone Estate is an interesting project in that it is actually made up of three very distinct, small sites, each dedicated to a specific variety (even going as far away as New Zealand for Pinot Noir!). While we haven’t gotten to try the Chardonnay from the Central Coast, nor the Pinot from New Zealand, we can say with certainty that Cobblestone has selected a wonderful site on Atlas Peak for their Cabernet. And as the wine recently received 91 points from Wine Spectator, we are clearly not alone on this one.
The 2006 Cobblestone Reserve Cabernet is deep garnet in color, with a nose featuring classic Cabernet aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and kirsch accompanied by notes of raspberry jam, violets, and cocoa. The palate is juicy and dark, with berry flavors dominating but joined by tobacco, plum, white pepper, and dark chocolate. The finish brings an interesting meaty flavor into the mix, with firm tannin just starting to resolve as this wine enters its prime drinking window. With 60% new oak and 3% Cabernet Franc in the mix, this complex wine delivers on multiple levels, and easily justifies its $70 price tag. Of course, when you go through WineHeist, you can save an incredible $20 and stock up on this cellar worthy Cab for under $50 a bottle.
Vintage: 2006
Wine Type: Bold Red Wine
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal Composition: 97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc
Appellation: Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
Barrel Aging: 26 months, 100% French oak, 60% new oak
Production: 300 cases
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
