Latest news with #CabernetSauvignon
Forbes
3 days ago
- Forbes
World's Best Cabernet Sauv, According To Decanter World Wine Awards
Tasting a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with assorted nuts and herbs in the background. getty Four Cabernet Sauvignon wines were awarded Best in Show, and eight received Platinum Medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards. All 12 wines, sourced from around the world, scored 97/100 points. The DWWA is the largest wine competition globally and is considered one of the most prestigious. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines. Located in the fast-growing Helan Mountain East wine region of Ningxia, Dongfang Yuxing is part of China's emerging group of premium wine producers. Their "Geruihong Yeguangbei" series meets international quality standards while highlighting Chinese terroir. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, rose petal, leather, and Chinese five-spice. The palate is full-bodied, with firm yet refined tannins, highlighting flavors of dark plum, licorice, toasted cedar, milk chocolate, and a subtle wet stone minerality. The finish is long and dry, with persistent fruit and cocoa notes. A Sonoma classic, Kenwood's Six Ridges was the top-scoring American Sauvignon wine, earning 97/100 points and winning a Best in Show award. The wine showcases the diverse terrains of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley Cabernets, in particular, are known for their ripeness and finesse. The wine offers aromas of cassis, vanilla, clove, and cedar pencil shavings. The palate delivers flavors of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of anise, supported by a tannic backbone of smooth, well-ripened, and integrated tannins, along with balanced acidity. The finish is long, polished, and velvety, with lingering sweet spice and balanced acidity. Located on the slopes of Simonsberg Mountain, Knorhoek is a historic Stellenbosch estate known for its traditionally styled wines with aging potential. The wine features aromas of black currant, cedar, eucalyptus, earth, and assorted wood spices. It's assertive and dry on the palate, with pronounced, gritty tannins that showcase flavors of cassis, roasted herbs, graphite, and a touch of dry tobacco leaf. The finish is long, structured, and slightly savory, with lingering notes of black fruits and a hint of minerality. Drinkable now, it's an ideal food wine, but it could benefit from some additional aging. Xanadu, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Margaret River, Australia, 14% ABV, 750 ml. Xanadu is one of Margaret River's top wineries. The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is its flagship wine, made from the region's best vineyards. The wine offers aromas of blueberry, bay leaf, dark chocolate, and cigar box. It's concentrated and refined on the palate, with smooth, silky tannins and well-integrated acidity, highlighting flavors of blackberry, mint, dark olive, espresso, and milk chocolate. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of black fruit and a subtle maritime salinity. The Xanadu wine estate. Margaret River is the major wine region in southwest Western Australia, with 215 wineries. getty Fermoy, Wilyabrup Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022, Margaret River, Australia, 14% ABV, 750 ml. Fermoy Estate is located in the Wilyabrup subregion. It produces refined, sophisticated Cabernets that emphasize Margaret River's maritime climate. The wine features black fruit aromas of blackberry and mulberry, complemented by dried herbs and hints of sandalwood. It's full-bodied on the palate, with chewy tannins that display layers of blackcurrant, black tea, and forest floor flavors. The finish is long and slightly savory, with lingering notes of black fruit and a touch of graphite. Yarra Yering, Agincourt Cabernet-Malbec, 2022, Yarra Valley, Australia, 13.5% ABV, 750 ml. Yarra Yering is among the most esteemed producers in the Yarra Valley. The Agincourt blend honors traditional Claret styles with a contemporary Australian flair. The wine features aromas of red plum, violets, cocoa powder, and aromatic dried herbs. It is structured on the palate with a subtle tannic backbone and brisk acidity, showcasing red currant, tobacco, and a savory earthiness typical of Australian Malbec. The finish is long and smooth. Miguel Torres, Los Inquietos 02 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Maule, Chile, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. Miguel Torres Chile is a branch of the well-known Spanish wine family. The 'Los Inquietos' line emphasizes innovative, small-batch wines from various Chilean regions. The wine offers aromas of blackberry jam, black pepper, roasted coffee, and cassis. It's full-bodied and smooth on the palate with ripe, soft tannins and lively acidity, highlighting black fruit, mocha, and a hint of graphite minerality. The finish is long and plush, with lingering notes of black fruit and subtle pepper. Li's Estate, Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Helan Mountain East, Ningxia, China, 15.5% ABV, 750 ml. Li's Estate, a top boutique producer in Ningxia, specializes in terroir-driven wines from sustainable vineyards in China's leading red wine region. The wine exhibits dark fruit aromas of plum, cassis, and a hint of prune, complemented by notes of sandalwood and smoke. It's robust and powerful on the palate, with drying tannins and bright acidity, revealing layered flavors of dark fruit, Chinese herbs, and espresso. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of dark fruit, subtle spices, and a touch of minerality. Château Haut de la Bécade, 2022 Pauillac, Bordeaux, France, 14% ABV, 750 ml. Located in the famous Pauillac appellation, Château Haut de la Bécade presents approachable yet traditional Left Bank Bordeaux styles, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the main grape. The wine features classic Left Bank aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, leather, and graphite. It's structured and dry on the palate, with a pronounced tannic backbone and brisk acidity, showcasing flavors of plum, pencil lead, cigar box, earth, and savory herbs. The finish is long with lingering notes of black fruit, earth, and graphite. Château Brown, Le Colombier de Brown, 2022 Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France, 14% ABV, 750 ml. Le Colombier is the second wine of Château Brown, a respected estate in Pessac-Léognan known for its elegant, age-worthy reds with smoky minerality. The wine exhibits aromas of red cherry, toasted oak, crushed stone, and violets. It's medium-bodied on the palate, with soft, ripe tannins and brisk acidity, revealing flavors of red plum, graphite, and subtle wood spice notes. The finish is long and minerally, with lingering black fruit notes. A vineyard in the Golan Heights. getty Golan Heights Winery, Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021, Galilee, Israel, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. Golan Heights Winery is Israel's most globally recognized winery. The Yarden label showcases their premium wines, known for their structure and finesse. The wine offers aromas of blackberry, mint, black olive, and exotic spices. It's full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, with smooth, ripe tannins and lively acidity that reveal flavors of jammy dark fruits, espresso, savory herbs, and toasted oak. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dark fruits and a subtle touch of Middle Eastern spice bazar. Gva'ot, Raz, 2019, Shomron, Israel, 14% ABV, 750 ml. Gva'ot is a boutique winery situated in the Shomron Hills, known for their expressive wines from high-elevation vineyards. "Raz" is their flagship wine. The wine features aromas of black cherry, anise, licorice, cedar, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. It's rich and concentrated on the palate with ripe, well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, showcasing flavors of blackberry, dark chocolate, roasted coffee, sage, and thyme. The finish is long, with lingering notes of black fruits, fresh earth, and dried Mediterranean herbs. From China's emerging talents in Ningxia to California's sun-drenched slopes, the gravel banks of Bordeaux, and Israel's highlands, this year's Decanter World Wine Awards confirmed that world-class Cabernet Sauvignon knows no borders. These outstanding wines showcase the remarkable versatility and global reach of the variety. Whether driven by old-world tradition or new-world innovation, these twelve wines showcase power, elegance, and a distinct sense of terroir. They stand as a testament to Cabernet Sauvignon's status as a true global icon. Offering a captivating invitation to explore the world one glass at a time. More From Forbes Forbes America's Best Cabernet Wine, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes Top Cabernet Sauvignon Wines From The San Francisco International Wine Competition By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Continuing Excellence at Robert Mondavi Winery
Detail of To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, the source of the finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Fumé (Sauvignon) Blanc from Robert Mondavi Winery Photo courtesy Robert Mondavi Winery He probably didn't realize it at the time, but when Robert Mondavi opened his eponymous winery in Oakville in 1966, he was ushering in a renaissance of Napa Valley glory. This was the first winery of any size to open in Napa Valley since the end of Prohibition in 1933, and Mondavi hired Cliff May to build a striking mission-style edifice that was architecturally sleek and unforgettable. That was, by itself, an historic moment, but it was Mondavi's philosophy of producing wines of the highest quality, offerings modeled on the best wines of France, that marked a substantial turnaround for Napa Valley. Yes, there were world class wines made before this, but soon after Mondavi established his marque, there were multiple wineries that opened in Napa Valley which elevated the status of the valley; these wineries included such now-famous names as Sterling, Freemark Abbey, Clos du Val, Shafer, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and dozens of others. Mondavi's wines, especially his Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons, were rated as among the very best in Napa Valley and all of California. The excitement for these wines inspired other producers to make the best wines possible, and for several years, tastings of Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignons compared to classified growths of Bordeaux were held, with Mondavi's wines rating favorably. Other producers organized these tastings as well; Napa Valley, if anyone doubted, was a source for world class wines. Arch & Tower - Tasting room of Robert Mondavi Winery overlooking the Napa River Photo by Adam Potts Flash forward several decades; as you can imagine, changes were plentiful in Napa Valley in general and for Mondavi in particular; due to a number of conditions; Mondavi sold his winery to Constellation Brands, a large marketer of wine, beer and spirits; Mr. Mondavi passed away in 2008. These two events lead to much speculation that things would be vastly different, with quality being sacrificed. I'm happy to report that Robert Mondavi Winery is doing quite well these days, thank you, with Director of Winemaking Kurtis Ogasawara overseeing production; under his watch, the top wines - Cabernet Sauvignon and Fumé Blanc, especially the reserve bottlings from the historic To Kalon vineyard directly behind the winery in Oakville - are glorious representations of this site, and certainly would make Robert Mondavi himself very proud. Kurtis Ogasawara, Director of Winemaking, Robert Mondavi Winery Copyright Chris Leschinsky 2019 I asked Ogasawara what makes Oakville and especially To Kalon vineyard such an ideal home for Cabernet Sauvignon. 'Oakville's location in Napa Valley, roughly halfway up the valley, makes it a great location for growing Cabernet Sauvignon,' he explains. 'We get enough heat during the day to achieve full ripeness but also receive the influence of the morning fog which helps maintain freshness in our wines. To Kalon Vineyard sits on an alluvial fan on the western side of Oakville. The soils are well draining and encourage stress on the vines that help produce concentrated and intense grapes. 'For our wines, Oakville offers a combination of black and dark red fruit with dried herbs layered in. They have a muscular structure with plenty of tannins that can be extracted in a way that shows finesse and elegance.' Regarding Fumé Blanc, the name Mr. Mondavi used for his examples of Sauvignon Blanc, and the name still used today for the winery's finest examples from To Kalon and other sites in Napa Valley, Ogasawara remarks, 'It's important to create wines that speak to the vineyard they're from. We walk and taste grapes leading up to harvest to understand what the vintage is offering. We pick the grapes at the ideal point where intensity, freshness, and concentration collide. We like our Fumé Blanc to show a balance of fruit intensity and herbs. Each block shows a different personality and it's our job to capture that and let it shine in the glass.' Here are my notes on recent and current offerings of Sauvignon Blanc, Fumé Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Mondavi Winery. (I will review the winery's examples of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the near future). Sauvignon Blanc Stags Leap District 2023 (Stags Leap District, Napa Valley) - Bright, medium yellow; aromas of melon, freshly cut grass and spearmint. Medium-bodied, with lovely freshness, very good acidity, textbook varietal purity and good persistence. The finish is clean, refreshing and very appealing. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. (91) Fumé Blanc The Estates 2021 (Oakville, Napa Valley) - A blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon; the fruit is from a younger block and an older block in the Oakville estate. Bright, medium yellow; lovely aromas of chervil, tarragon, melon and thyme. Medium-full, with an elegant entry on the palate. There is lively, slightly tangy acidity, a rich, clean finish with notes of ginger and white pepper, and outstanding harmony. Displaying outstanding varietal purity and typicity, this is a product of superb fruit from a classic vintage backed by minimal winemaking interference; the result is striking with a definite nod to white Bordeaux. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years. (94) Fumé Blanc The Estates 2022 (Oakville, Napa Valley) - A blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon, all from Oakville vineyards. Bright, medium-deep yellow; enticing aromas of mango, Anjou pear, orange rose and a hint of pine. Medium-full, with excellent ripeness. There is noteworthy texture along with outstanding varietal purity. There is excellent persistence, very good acidity and significant length in the finish, which offers delicate notes of grapefruit, melon and a hint of basil. Wonderful complexity, this is very well made and is quite stylish. Enjoy with Oriental cuisine (sweet and sour pork would be ideal) over the next 5-7 years. (93) Fumé Blanc To Kalon Vineyard 'The Reserve' 2022 (Oakville, Napa Valley) - A blend of 95% Sauvignon Blanc and 5% Semillon; the Sauvignon Blanc is from the Monastery Block and the V Block of To-Kalon. Bright, medium yellow; aromas of basil, broom, freshly cut grass and a hint of tarragon. Medium-full, with bright fruit of impressive ripeness, very good acidity and excellent persistence; there are distinct notes of white spice and chervil in the finish. This has excellent varietal character and would be best paired with strongly flavored shellfish. This is a bit tightly wound now, so time will round out the wine and let it display great harmony. Peak in 3-6 years. (92) Fumé Blanc To Kalon Vineyard 'The Reserve' 2021 (Oakville, Napa Valley) - Bright, medium yellow; textbook varietal aromas of chervil, basil, yellow peppers and hints of gooseberry and lime. Medium-full, with impressive depth of fruit, very good acidity and outstanding persistence. Excellent typicity and a beautiful expression of To Kalon Fumé Blanc. Enjoy over the next five to eight years, although this may drink well in 10-12 years. Brilliant wine! (95) As this is not the current release, it may be difficult to find, but if you want to experience one of the finest releases of Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley over the past few years, do what you can to find a bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Napa Valley) - A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (91%), Petit Verdot (5%), Cabernet Franc (3%), Malbec (1%); the fruit is sourced from several Napa Valley districts including Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll and Rutherford. Bright, medium deep purple; aromas of black currant, black cherry, mint and black poppy. Medium-bodied, there is very good typicity, well-integrated wood notes, good acidity and appropriate acidity. Nicely balanced, the wine can be enjoyed with most red meats tonight or over the next 3-5 years. A nice value for a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon at $55. (90) Cabernet Sauvignon The Estates Oakville (Oakville, Napa Valley) - A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (83%), Cabernet Franc (11%), Petit Verdot (2.5%), Merlot (2%) and Malbec (1.5%); most of the grapes come from the To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville behind the winery. Bright, medium deep purple; aromas of black currant, black plum and hints of mace, peppercorn and violet. Medium-full, with excellent ripeness, good acidity, medium-full tannins that are nicely balanced, evident oak notes and very good persistence. This is an impressive wine that is an excellent example of Oakville terroir. Give this another 2-3 years to round out and display greater complexity. Peak in 12-15 years. (92) Cabernet Sauvignon To Kalon Vineyard 'The Reserve' 2021 (Oakville, Napa Valley) - A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Bright, medium purple; rich aromas of black currant, black licorice, peppercorn, mocha and graphite. Medium-full, with excellent concentration, very good acidity, well- integrated wood notes, rich tannins and significant persistence. From the outstanding 2021 Napa Valley vintage, there is the stuffing and structure to last for at least 20 years, perhaps even as long as 30 years. A wonderful sense of To Kalon terroir with definite mineral and savory notes in the finish. An exceptional wine that calls to mind the Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignons of the late 1960s and early 1970s. (96)
Business Upturn
10-07-2025
- Business Upturn
Sip and Savour: Enjoy a Wine Tasting Experience in Ramnagara
Ramanagara, only an hour from Bengaluru's urban hustle, reveals Karnataka's best-kept secret: blooming vineyards set against spectacular rocky terrain. This area, known for its silk manufacturing and adventure sports, has evolved into a wine lover's heaven. The particular terroir blends warm days, chilly nights, and mineral-rich soil to create wines worth savouring. Discover how Ramanagara changes weekend trips by combining rural charm with exquisite wine experiences in the rolling vine-covered hills. The Wine Heritage of Karnataka Karnataka's wine narrative started in the 1990s when pioneers discovered the region's potential for viticulture. The region's granite-rich soil, along with Ramanagara's distinctive microclimate (warm days and cool nights), produces perfect conditions for cultivating wine grapes. This diurnal temperature variance promotes taste development in varieties such as Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and the adaptable Bangalore Purple. Over three decades, Karnataka has grown from experimental vines to India's second-largest wine producer. Government programs supporting wine tourism have transformed the industry since 2007 by creating wine routes and events to highlight regional vintages. Today, Ramanagara represents Karnataka's successful wine journey. Top Vineyards to Visit in Ramanagara Ramanagara's gorgeous setting has become home to several great vineyards, each providing distinct wine experiences set against a magnificent granite hill backdrop. Domaine Sula (Sula Vineyards' Karnataka Winery) The top wine destination in Karnataka is Domaine Sula, which combines the renowned knowledge of Sula with the rich soils of Ramanagara. Wine fans enjoy guided tours that uncover the secrets behind their award-winning wines. From crisp whites to strong reds, the vineyard produces superb wines that represent the region's terroir. The property has gorgeous architecture that matches the surrounding scenery, and tasting rooms overlook endless vine rows. Seasonal wine harvesting and food pairing seminars on weekends. Booking online car rentals ensures a stress-free journey from Bangalore to this premier vineyard. Heritage Winery (Kādu Wines) Heritage Winery stands out for its Kādu wines, which are India's first 'Wine for a Cause' to fund tiger conservation efforts. Each bottle helps to safeguard Karnataka's wild tigers, so every sip counts. Their trademark wines are the powerful Shiraz and delicate Sauvignon Blanc types that have received great praise. The winery's historical tour includes tours through the gorgeous vineyards and production buildings. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of six different wines while learning about conservation efforts. The event concludes with a three-course lunch comprising European and Indian cuisine. Access to this hidden gem becomes convenient with a reliable car on rent in Bangalore. Ranch at Big Banyan Vineyard & Resort With its stunning vineyard-resort mix, The Ranch elevates wine tasting into a full-day vacation. The vineyard focuses on handcrafted small-batch wines, assuring excellence in every bottle. Live music complements wine tastings on weekends, creating a joyful vibe. Their restaurant delivers organic food that enhances wine tastes. The neighbouring historic Big Banyan Tree provides natural beauty to your visit. Many wine lovers use online car rentals to tour this vineyard at their leisure, often extending their vacation to take in sunset views over the vine-covered hills. The Wine Tasting Experience A wine-tasting experience in Ramnagara is an engaging journey through flavours, scents, and tales rooted in the local soil. Most vineyards greet visitors with a guided tour of their facilities, which often begins with a stroll around the vineyard itself. You'll learn about grape farming, harvesting, and the winemaking process. The tasting normally consists of sampling many varietals, ranging from crisp whites to robust reds, each accompanied by professional comments regarding taste notes and origins. Tips for Wine Tasting Etiquette for Beginners People unfamiliar with wine tasting should first observe a few basic etiquette tips: Prevent hand heat by holding the wine glass by the stem. Start with lighter wines, then move to stronger ones. Swirl gently to unleash the wine's aromas. Sniff the wine before drinking to enjoy its fragrance. Take modest sips and allow the wine to linger to fully enjoy its richness. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or cologne since they might mask the wine's fragrance. Food Pairings Commonly Offered with Local Wines To elevate the tasting experience, several vineyards provide specially designed food pairings. Cheese, olives, nuts, and regionally inspired meals are often served to complement the wine's character. Some restaurants also provide traditional Karnataka starters or fresh bread to highlight the intricacies of their signature blends. Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experiences The best time to go wine tasting in Ramnagara is between December and March, when the weather is favourable and the vineyards are active after harvest. Booking a car on rent in Bangalore for a pleasant and beautiful trip to this countryside gem will help to simplify the journey. Wrapping Up Wine tasting in Ramnagara is most enjoyable when you do not have to bother about driving or navigating. Savaari Car Rentals provides dependable cars for rent, with skilled chauffeurs to manage the roads, while you drink, enjoy, and explore at your leisure. Book a comfortable ride now to make your wine tour genuinely memorable. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
America's Best Cabernet Wine, According To Decanter World Wine Awards
Glass of Cabernet Sauvignon overlooking vineyards in Napa getty Eleven American Cabernet Sauvignon wines scored 92 points or higher at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA). The competition is the largest wine contest globally and is regarded as one of the most prestigious. Over 18,000 wines were entered in the recently completed 2025 judging. Here is a brief overview and tasting note for each of these wines. A Sonoma classic, Kenwood's Six Ridges was the top-scoring American Sauvignon wine, earning 97/100 points and winning a Best in Show award. The wine highlights the diverse terrains of Sonoma County. The Alexander Valley Cabernets, in particular, are known for their ripeness and finesse. The wine offers aromas of cassis, vanilla, clove, and cedar pencil shavings. The palate presents flavors of ripe blackberries, dark chocolate, and hints of anise, supported by a tannic backbone of smooth, well-ripened, and integrated tannins, along with balanced acidity. The finish is long, polished, and velvety, with lingering sweet spice and balanced acidity. Founded in 1983, L'Ecole N° 41 is a third-generation, family-owned winery and a pioneer in the Walla Walla Valley. Renowned for producing balanced, expressive wines, their Cabernet Sauvignon comes from certified sustainable vineyards. The wine offers aromas of blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, dried herbs, and a distinctive graphite note. It's full-bodied and flavorful on the palate, revealing layers of black fruit, tobacco, espresso, vanilla, and a touch of oak. The finish is long and structured, with polished tannins and a savory, mineral edge. Avinodos is a boutique producer dedicated to sustainable farming and minimal intervention winemaking in Napa Valley's renowned Stags Leap District. The AVA is known for producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernets. The wine displays aromas of violets, blueberries, cedar, and baking spices. It is full-bodied and well-structured on the palate, with refined tannins and lively acidity, highlighting ripe, earthy black currants, cocoa, and clove. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit flavors and a touch of toasted oak. Watermill, Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $35 Watermill Winery, located in Milton-Freewater, Oregon, produces estate-grown wines from the Rocks District and nearby regions. Their Cabernets highlight structure and minerality. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, plum, crushed stone, and olive tapenade. It is full-bodied on the palate with dusty tannins and bright acidity, displaying flavors of dark fruit, savory herbs, and earthy undertones. The finish is long and spicy. Vineyards in the middle of wheat fields north of Walla Walla, Washington getty Watermill Winery, Red Blend, 2021, Walla Walla Valley, Oregon, 2021, 14.2% ABV, 750 ml. $45 A carefully crafted blend from estate vineyards, often composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, reflecting the diverse terroir of the Walla Walla Valley. The wine displays aromas of ripe red plum, blackberry jam, smoked meat, chocolate, and espresso. It feels silky and well-balanced on the palate, with ripe, integrated tannins and notes of cherry, dark chocolate, and baking spice. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering hints of red fruit. Copperfield, Quintessence Vineyard 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain, Washington, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. This wine comes from the renowned Quintessence Vineyard on Red Mountain. The vineyard is known for its warm microclimate and for producing bold, powerful wines. This Cabernet displays density and concentration. The nose reveals aromas of blackcurrant, eucalyptus, toasted oak, and dark chocolate. It's dense and full-bodied on the palate, with a strong tannic backbone and lively acidity, displaying flavors of blackberry, espresso, and graphite. The finish is long and intense, with lingering notes of dark fruit and a faint smokiness. Dixie & Bass, 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington State, 2021, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $19 A newcomer to Columbia Valley, Dixie & Bass creates elegant, fruit-forward wines that showcase terroir and subtle oak influence. The wine offers aromas of red and black fruit, such as raspberry and cassis, along with hints of sage and fresh earth. It feels fresh and flavorful on the palate, with ripe tannins and well-balanced acidity that highlight flavors of red and black fruit, black tea, and subtle vanilla. The finish is medium in length, with lingering notes of red and black fruits. The Fifth Empire, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 2022, 14.1% ABV, 750 ml. $76 The Fifth Empire exemplifies a modern Napa approach, offering a luxurious, fruit-forward style with a well-structured, tannic profile, while prioritizing finesse over the traditional, bold Napa character. The grapes are sourced from top Napa sub-AVAs. The wine offers aromas of black cherry, crème de cassis, graphite, and various baking spices. It's rich and layered on the palate, with a well-defined tannic structure of ripe, well-integrated tannins and notable acidity, revealing flavors of plum, dark berries, dark chocolate, and roasted coffee. The finish is long and velvety, with lingering notes of dark fruits and hints of anise. Ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes ready for harvest in Napa Valley, California. getty Silvia Cellars, 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, 14.5% ABV, 750 ml. $150 Silvia Cellars focuses on small-batch, high-quality wines from top Napa vineyards, especially collectible reserve-tier Cabernet. The wine features intense aromas of black fruits, with notes of toasted oak, lavender, and cinnamon. It's bold and concentrated on the palate, with ripe, well-integrated tannins that reveal blackberry, currant, seasoned oak, and dark chocolate. The finish is long, smooth, and powerful, with lingering hints of dark fruit and wood spices—a classic example of a robust Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. Grgich Hills Estate, 2022 Paradise Block Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville, California, 14% ABV, 750 ml. $240 This single-block wine from the renowned Grgich Hills Estate highlights old-vine Cabernet from Yountville, emphasizing complexity and balance. The wine exhibits aromas of mulberry, forest floor, clove, and cedar, with subtle hints of cigar box. It's elegant and intense on the palate, with ripe, smooth, well-integrated tannins and lively acidity, showing flavors of red fruits, especially red currant, cocoa, and savory herbs. The finish is long and silky, with lingering notes of red fruits and subtle oak. Clos du Val, 2022 Yettalil, Stags Leap District, California, 14.8% ABV, 750 ml. $200 'Yettalil' is Clos du Val's flagship blend, originating from the winery's renowned Stags Leap vineyards. Usually, it's a Bordeaux blend with a dominant Cabernet. The wine displays aromas of red and black fruits, including blackberries and raspberries, along with notes of lavender, cedar, and graphite. The palate presents a layered complexity with ripe, well-integrated tannins showcasing red and black berries, plum, sage, and leather. The finish is long and elegant, with lingering notes of red and black fruit and a hint of minerality. American Cabernet Sauvignon is gaining recognition worldwide. From Napa's sunny slopes to Walla Walla's rugged charm and Alexander Valley's refined complexity, these wines showcase regional character, craftsmanship, and aging potential. With scores of 92 and above—and a Best in Show nod for Kenwood's Six Ridges—these Cabernets are more than just award-winners; they serve as benchmarks. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or just Cabernet-curious, these wines deserve a place in your glass—and your cellar. More From Forbes Forbes The World's Best Pinot Noir From The 2025 Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top American Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The World's 50 Best Wines, According To The Decanter World Wine Awards By Joseph V Micallef
New York Post
07-07-2025
- Business
- New York Post
AI growth expected to dominate titans' talk at secretive annual ‘summer camp for billionaires'
The growing emergence of artificial Intelligence is expected to be the hot topic at this year's 'summer camp for billionaires' — as workers on Wall Street and Main Street fret about the so-called 'March of the Machines.' The three-day secretive shindig in the mountain resort town of Sun Valley, Idaho, organized by the Allen and Company investment firm since 1983, is where America's financial, tech, and media elite meet each year. Among the VIP guests expected to fly in on their private jets Tuesday and decamp to the Sun Valley Lodge are Apple CEO Tim Cook, newly-married Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Open AI boss Sam Altman and Meta titan Mark Zuckerberg, according to the leaked invitation roll call first obtained by Variety magazine. Advertisement The hotel, once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, is where you have to pay some way for everything that is any good, to paraphrase the great author's quote from 'The Sun Also Rises.' 5 A lounge at the Sun Valley Lodge where VIPs will gather this week. James Franey/NY Post The Lodge's in-house watering hole, the Duchin Lounge, now sells 2015 Louis Roederer Cristal for $648 a bottle, while the most expensive red — a 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley in California — goes for $291, according to its wine list. Advertisement The Post has learned that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will also be jetting into the nearby Friedman Memorial Airport later this week. Authorities estimate that the tiny hub, a 30-minute drive from Sun Valley itself, could see as many as 175 aircraft arrive on Tuesday. Typically, there are only 10 scheduled commercial arrivals each day. The airport will be charging private jet landing fees of $2,400, according to open-source data reviewed by The Post. One person not expected at this year's event is Elon Musk, who has been too busy picking yet another fight with President Trump. Advertisement 5 Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (right) and his now-wife Lauren Sanchez are Sun Valley regulars. Getty Images 5 Chris Davis, chairman and chief executive officer of Davis Selected Advisors LP, from left, Jeff Bezos, founder of Inc., Brian Grazer, chairman and chief executive officer of Imagine Entertainment, and Lauren Sanchez after the morning session at the Allen & Co. Media and Technology Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho, US, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Bloomberg via Getty Images The idea behind the annual event is for this country's titans of industry to discuss deals, politics, and the state of the global economy — all while having a great time taking part in bike rides, beautiful hikes and booze-fueled dinners. It has been claimed that the networking sessions helped power Bezos's acquisition of the Washington Post in 2013 and The Walt Disney Company's 1996 merger with ABC. Advertisement But with all of the meetings taking place behind closed doors and away from the gaze of the media, what the well-heeled guests actually do during this self-styled business boot camp remains a mystery. Security ordered the Sun Valley Lodge to be shuttered on Monday so the regular Joes can be booted out and stop any of them from gatecrashing the uber-exclusive party. 5 Ernest Hemingway was a regular in Sun Valley throughout his life. His body is buried in nearby Ketchum. Bettmann Archive Anyone who tries to sneak in this year will be banned from the premises for the entire week, two sources close to the property said, and those with vehicles on site could even see them impounded. Your correspondent will be staying at a reasonably priced lodge frequented by VIP staffers in nearby Ketchum, the sleepy and somber town where Hemingway took his own life in 1961. 5 The eye-popping champagne list at the Sun Valley Lodge, an old Ernest Hemingway favorite James Franey/NY Post Over the weekend, bar staff at the Lodge were overheard telling customers how they expect to rake in a big paycheck during the event. Advertisement They claimed that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, an annual fixture at Sun Valley, was the biggest tipper last year, humiliating the presumably deep pockets of the finance and tech bros in attendance. Your move, Zuck!
