Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Deeply fruited and concentrated, this is a showy wine that's sure to please many for its richness, chocolate-coated cherry profile and hints of liquorice and tar. Varietal complexity comes through as leafy herbs and cedar. It's modern, for sure.

2015 Napa Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Recently, during a meeting of young Napa Valley winemakers at larkmead, the discussion turned to the price of cabernet grapes and how it was becoming increasingly difficult to offer a va varietally labeled cabernet from Napa Valley at a price that might encourage new wine drinkers to buy it. The least expensive cabernet anyone in the room had on offer was $60. So I was interested to taste this $45 wine and find a fresh, generous, full-on cabernet sauvignon. It grows at Raymond’s organically farmed vineyards in Rutherford and includes some purchased fruit from Calistoga and Coombsville. Yes, it’s a little heady and a touch sweet, but there’s plenty of cracked-black-pepper and cardamom spice to dust the fruit in the end. And if the tough tannins yield to a softer, chocolatey note, they still hold their shape, open and ready for grilled pork. 

Deep and dense, well-centered on rich dark berry, licorice, herb, dill, cedar and road tar flavors. Though firmly tannic, this also has a measure of finesse and grace. 

Best of Class of Varietal

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a tasty entry-level offering from Raymond Vineyards. I would prefer to drink it sooner rather than later, while the red and purplish berry fruit remains vibrant.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve is a terrific value that should be snatched up by readers. Giving up lots of classic Cabernet cassis and currant fruit, plenty of tobacco and earth, medium to full-bodied richness, and a great mid-palate, drink this impressive, balanced, classically style Cabernet anytime over the coming decade.

A juicy and fruity wine with brambleberry and chocolate. Some hazelnut. Medium to full body. Silky texture. Drink now or hold.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve has vague cassis and earthy scents. With chewy tannins, nice texture and freshness to match the fruit, it's not bad at all.