We had some special friends over for dinner on Thursday.  We prepared short ribs in a French style.  We then compared the 1998 CC (it’s the oldest CC I have) vs. a 1990 Margaux.  One of our guests fancies himself as a French wine kind of guy. I prefer American Cab, but I do appreciate a great Margaux.  Both wines were fantastic, but everyone agreed that  the best was the Clark-Claudon.  It was really obvious.  Thought you should know!! (but then I bet you already did).

— Bob Paluck

92

POINTS

A consistently exciting 100% Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet with intense red color and a bouquet of dark fruit, plum, black cherry, spice and saddle leather. The palate will be intrigued with flavors of blackberry, black cherry and dark spice. Solid yet approachable tannins with balanced acidity and a long finish of dark chocolate with hints of espresso. Give it an hour to open in the decanter for the full experience

92+

POINTS

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Eternity is quite a bit richer and weightier than the straight bottling. Plums, cassis, camphor, spices and graphite all flow effortlessly in this medium to full-bodied wine. There is plenty of stuffing in the glass, which suggests the 2009 will continue to deliver considerable pleasure for a number of years. The addition of 11.5% Petit Verdot is felt in the gravitas and sheer density of the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2027.

94

POINTS

With elaborate oak, concentrated fruit, dense tannins and exquisite balance, this tiny production Cabernet—the winery’s first-ever reserve—demands to be cellared. It’s completely dry and rich in blackberries, black currants, baking chocolate, anise and minerals. It feels dramatic from the start, like the opening notes of a great symphony or rock song. Cellar it for at least eight years, and it could age well beyond that. — S.H.

Just an excellent Cabernet from Clark-Claudon Vineyards and the winemaking team of Frederic Delivert and Jean Hoefliger (Alpha Omega Winery). A medium-bodied and elegant Howell Mountain wine from a tough growing year where a late spring frost claimed 50% of the fruit. The wine opens with a rich nose of black cherry enhanced with notes of cedar. The palate is caressed with black cherry, blackberry, cedar and ripe plum supported by integrated tannins and food friendly acidity. Give this lovely a couple of hours to fully express her depth as the notes of cedar give way to softer flavors of chocolate, espresso and cigar box.