..this was supposed to be $25 to $50 cabernets but a couple of them were a little more expensive and apparently purchased with coupons or discounts.
Six of us rated them from 1 to 6 for best to worst and low points wins.
This was one of our more difficult tastings because even though most of the wines were decanted for an hour beforehand, they still changed a lot during the hour or so tasting, so the scores were all over the place.
6. 2013 Groth Oakville $45 - 31pts - 3 lasts - this was a surprise because this is a pretty popular wine. It had kind of a skunky smell that didn't go away - perhaps a bad bottle.
5. 2013 Davis Estates Napa $35 ($60) 22pts - 1 first, 2 lasts - this one was rich with a distinctive flavor, different than the others, with a little fruit and a slightly gritty texture at first.
4. 2013 Heitz Napa $45 - 1 first and 5 fourths - 21pts - it was ok but without much fruit or distinction.
3. 2015 Torial Napa $50 ($60) - 20pts - 2 firsts, 1 last - this is Chuck Wagner's (of Caymus) latest. It was my favorite at first with some depth, complexity and fruit. Later it just seemed a little sweeter than the others (the Meoimi of cabs?).
1/2. 2013 Burgess Estate Napa $35 - 16pts - no firsts, no lasts, 4 thirds - this was pretty good with some nice fruit but without a lot of complexity or depth.
1/2. 2015 Silver Stag $28 (Costco) - 16pts - 2 firsts - I thought it was nothing special (my 5th choice).
For me personally, I wouldn't run out and buy any of these. If I were to get one, I would probably try another bottle of the Groth or go for the Burgess.
