The Hess 2010 Allomi Cabernet Sauvignon

I have to admit I was not expecting such a velvety, fruit forward but structured and soft-finish wine from a work event. I selected Hess for a 20-person event because of its consistency, but the Allomi punched way above its weight in price. One of the better bottles I have had in a long while.
$30 on wine.com.
$$/+++

Geyser Peak's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley

I was pleasantly surprised at lunch when the wine by the glass I ordered had such a pleasant nose of berries and a rich, velvety cherry flavor that coated the mouth and left a long, smooth finish.
Reminded me of a Hess I had a few weeks ago in Santa Clara. Even better, it's on wine.com for $16 a bottle. I ordered 3 to make sure it's not a fluke.
$/++

Frescobaldi's 2008 Mormoreto, the Super Tuscan from Castello Di Nipozzano

Nose of earth, dust and cherries-similar to an older Brunello or Amarone. Mouthful of intense red currants laced with light tannins that makes it interesting yet smooth with a long finish. Can stand up to big food.
Worth the $55 from wine.com.
$$/+++

St. Supery's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sharing a 2009 St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa with Chris, Karem, and Amanda. I had read a ton about this wine-anticipation let down. Nose of red fruit. Light tannins but fruit forward. Very drinkable. $$/++ at Comstock Lodge Park City

Stag Leap's 2007 Artemis from Napa

Sharing a 2007 Stag's Leap Artemis with Bill, Christina and Karem at the Montage.

Nose of cherries and blackberries. Mouthful of black currant with supple but structured tannins.

We had ordered the 2010 but they couldn't find it-bonus!
WE had it at a 94.
We say "delicious".
$$/++

Gaja Ca'marcanda 2010 Promis from Tuscany

Opened the evening with the 2010 Gaja Ca'marcanda Promis. Enough Merlot to ease anyone in. Good nose and taste of cherries without as much structure as previous vintages (and no real tannins). But very, very drinkable. Good Après ski wine.
$$/++

Clos Du Val's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sharing a half bottle of the 2009 Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa with Christina during a lunch break on the ski slopes.
Nose of ripe cherries with a mouthful of red fruit and well-balanced and structured tannins.
Gorgeous.
$$/++