91 Points - Connoisseurs Guide
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Gold Medal - San Francisco International Wine Competition
4-Star Gold Medal - Orange County Fair
The Napa Valley is of course known for producing some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world, and while there are many different styles of Cabernet made in Napa, in general when tasting a Napa Cab there are a few key characteristics that we look for: ripe, dark fruit, smooth mouthfeel, and a hint of new French oak. When we tasted the 2006 Darms Lane Cabernet from the Bon Passe vineyard, the first thing we wrote down was “Quintessential Napa Cab.” This one perfectly represents the style of Cabernet that has made Napa famous, right down to the well-deserved $60 price tag. But thanks to Wine Heist, you can secure this beauty at just $37, an incredible 38% off!
The 2006 Darms Lane Napa Cabernet is sourced from the Bon Passe Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District of Napa, and crafted by winemaker Brian Mox, also winemaker for the remarkable Lewis Cellars. Deep ruby in color, with a hint of purple, the nose shows intense aromas of blackberry, cherry, and cassis. The palate echoes these dark fruits, along with plum and vanilla. A tiny percentage of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot is included in the blend to add another layer of depth. Incredibly polished and smooth, with nice structure and fine tannin, this is classic Napa Cab in the new-school style, and meant for pure hedonistic pleasure in its youth. It could certainly hold at this level for several years in the cellar, but it is drinking so well now, why wait? Serve this with any robust dish, or even enjoy it on its own.
Appellation: Oak Knoll, Napa Valley
Vineyard: Bon Passe Vineyard
Winemaker: Brian Mox
Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 4% Cabernet Franc 2% Petit Verdot
Aging: 20 Months - French Oak with small percentages of American and Hungarian Oak
Cases Produced: 420
All Wines
95 Points, Double Gold
Deep ruby in color this wine is bountiful, juicy and structured. Blueberry, black cherry and wild blackberry, framed by notes of sweet licorice, violets, sage and bay leaf. Impeccably balanced with fine dusty tannins hint at a long life ahead in the cellar.
90 Points
Inviting aromas of cherry, raspberry, and blackberry intermixed with hints of cranberry and blood orange. Graceful and soft on the front palate, the flavors of mixed red berries and the lively tannins add luscious texture. Its long finish reveals spicy undertones and a superb freshness.
91 Points
Layers of strawberry, baked cherry pie, anise, cherry lollipop, wild game, and spicebox. On the palate, black cherry jam couples with crème de cassis, mixed berry crisp, rhubarb, and a touch of vanilla.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe dark fruits, wild berries, roasted fig, English Toffee, savory spices, and roasted walnuts. On the palate, the deep flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum, black raspberry and pomegranate are layered with notes of wild sage, clove, nutmeg, and bittersweet chocolate. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
Gold Medal
Aromas of white peach, melon, and orange blossom complemented by bright citrus and lemon zest. Notes of kiwi, pineapple, lemon, mango and papaya introduce a rich palate and a persistent mineral finish.
Big & Jammy!
Aromas and robust flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, mocha, espresso and hints of black pepper. Incredibly balanced with a smooth mouthfeel and body against a backdrop of structured tannins. The wine unfolds with notes of clove and dried herbs, ending with a long rich finish.
95 Points
Opens with wild cherry cordial and fresh pomegranate layered with notes of baking spice and zest. Subtle touches of pink peppercorn lemon balm and sarsparilla carry through a savory palate. It's balanced, with silky layers and a juicy red core.
92 Points
A powerful expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, it's enticing and fragrant, bursting with fresh blueberries, blackberry tart, cedar, black olives, and hints of spicebox. Its palate provides big, round chewy tannins, sweet ripe black cherries, blackberry cordial, Bourbon-soaked maraschino cherries, maple roasted walnuts, and a touch of vanilla.
92 Points
Aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry, interlace with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. On the palate ripe and juicy flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry are perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of American oak.
Big, Bold & Juicy!
Bountiful, lavish and plush with aromas of plum, bramble berry, mocha, cedar, and red currant. Loaded with dark fruit, the mouth is full with a mix of red and dark berry, with notes of dark on the end. There is a touch of espresso, ripe black cherry, and petrichor. Nicely framed by generous French oak.
95 Points
Aromas of wild berry, ripe fig underpinned with hints of licorice, dark chocolate, savory spice, and cigar box. The palate is robust, youthful and bursting with natural energy. Flavors continue to expand vibrant dark cherry, blackberry, fresh currant, ripe plum, with hints of cassis, sage, mocha, cinnamon, and fine French oak.
93 Points
Rich dark black fruits, blueberries, blackberry bon bons, cassis, fragrant violets, tobacco leaf, and baking spices. Long, plush tannins alongside its dense fruit character. The palate delivers baked berry crisp, black and red fruits, toasted walnuts, brioche and cedar on the finish.
92 Points
Depth, balance and big flavors. The nose evokes black cherry pie, licorice, plums, vanilla, and notes of chocolate. On the palate, it bursts with cassis, red currants, toasted walnuts, and chocolate. This wine has great texture that ultimately finishes with round, silky smooth tannins.
97 Points, Double Gold
Pure, delicious, vibrant with aromas of white peach and wild white plum on the nose, followed by ripe Persian lime, jasmine high times, tart green apple, and crisp star fruit. The mouth centers in with pomelo and ginger lime leading into a mid-palate of fresh squeezed lime over papaya and lime zest on top of light lemon curd.
Fresh, Bright & Crisp...
Aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of fresh herb and pomegranate. Though packed with fruit, this Rosé finishes dry, with a nice balanced finish.
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