Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Australia

An interesting selection of Cabernet Sauvignon from California and Australia, paired with prime filet mignon seared rare over cherry wood coals + garlic-herb risotto + Caribbean black bean salad.

1990 Beringer Private Reserve - these wines typically show well after 10-15 years and the 1990 is spectacular right now.  Black cherry with fine-grained tannins, cedar and a hint of anise.

1998 Noon Reserve - a monster of a wine that will go another 20 years.  Gobs of black currant fruit complemented by tar and well integrated tannins.

2006 Togni Estate - one of my favorite California Cabs ... this one is just a baby but is approachable now.  Blackberry and cedar and nicely balanced acidity for a California wine.

Guilty Pleasures

Yes, it's a bit too soon to drink this 2010 Kosta Browne Sonoma Coast, but we enjoyed taking its measure paired with Chicken Dijon and black bean salad.
Red raspberry fruit and spices with the quintessential Kosta Browne satin texture that makes this wine so alluring.
(Although this wine does lack earthy, forest floor characteristics that I enjoy in pinot noir ... perhaps why I dropped off the mailing list...)
Often the Sonoma Coast bottling can be preferred to the single vineyard wines. I have never been able to hang onto these wines long enough to gain insight on their aging traits. A friend has a bottle of 2007 Kosta Browne Kanzler Vineyard that I hope to try one day...

Postscript: Revisited the 2010 Kosta Browne over the Christmas holiday ... this one showed better than in September. Dark raspberry fruit, sandalwood and spice. Nicely developing notes of sous bois and attractive floral nose. Still a bit massive and in its infancy. Peak drinking window likely in another 4 to 5 years .... Paired with salame al tartufo, cashews, goat cheese al tartufo and a mild Danish sheep's milk cheese...