Tasting Notes for Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Red Wines	Cabernet Sauvignon	Napa Valley	California

My Rating (circle) :

Date Printed: 5/24/2013

Raymond Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

(search item no. 98626)
Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
PRICE ON 5/24/2013: $29.99

ratings pedigree (past vintages):
2010 Wine & Spirits rating: 90 points
2009 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
2008 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2007 Wine Enthusiast rating: 89 points
2005 Wine Enthusiast rating: 93 points
2005 The Wine News rating: 90 points
2004 Wine Enthusiast rating: 88 points
2003 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2002 Wine Enthusiast rating: 90 points
2000 Wine Enthusiast rating: 92 points
1999 Wine Spectator rating: 89 points
1998 Wine Spectator rating: 92 points
1997 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points
1990 Wine Spectator rating: 88 points
1987 Wine Spectator rating: 90 points

Winemaker's Notes:

A blend of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc.

With deep ruby color, this Cabernet opens with inviting aromas of cherry, blackberry, raspberry, currant and hints of cedar and cocoa. Concentrated flavors of boysenberry, raspberry, red cherry and currant followed by notes of black pepper and vanilla in the long, smooth finish. A rich, full mouth feel with nicely balanced tannins and structure.

This wine pairs well with grilled rib eye or pork chops, steak tartare, chorizo and seafood paella, wild mushroom and scallop risotto, smoked duck sausage over polenta, garlic marinated prime rib, braised lamb shanks, pork or beef barbequed ribs and hearty pasta dishes such as baked rigatoni.

While delicious at an early age, this wine has the potential to be cellared for 10-15 years past the vintage date.

My Notes:

Additional wines from Raymond Vineyard:

2007 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 115623)
2008 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 116869)
2009 Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 114091)
2009 Reserve Selection Merlot (search item no. 122000)
2010 Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 121788)
2011 Field Blend R Collection (search item no. 121534)
2011 R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon (search item no. 121488)
2011 R Collection Chardonnay (search item no. 118623)
2011 R Collection Merlot (search item no. 121997)
2011 Reserve Selection Chardonnay (search item no. 119445)

About Raymond Vineyard:

For generations, Raymond Vineyards has been an integral part of the Napa Valley, with now five generations of viticultural and winemaking expertise. Our new winemaking team captures the essence of the past while infusing the energy of the future and the vibrancy of the next generation into each and every wine. “It is important to retain the core foundation that made this brand legendary in Napa Valley, while keeping the style fresh and relevant to today’s wine drinkers” says Stephanie Putnam.

In addition to our top-notch winemakers and viticulturalists, Raymond has also tapped into a world-renowned winemaker, Phillipe Melka, to assist on our high-end Cabernets and complement the inherent strengths of the team.

As for a specific style, the team aims for the three B’s – Big, Bold, Balanced – yet with refinement and elegance. This philosophy lends itself well to the underlying principal of terroir that dates back thousands of years where the interrelationship between soil, climate, and plant are enhanced by the passion of people to convey an authentic sense of place. Our winemaking team allows the purest expression of the fruit to reign, with aromas and flavors that fill your glass and your palate with wines that are unmistakably powerful, intriguingly complex, and beautifully integrated.