Tasting Highlights' wine reviews are fresh out of the tasting room, offering a sneak peek of our editors' most recent scores and notes to WineSpectator.com members.
Napa Valley sets the benchmark for Cabernet and Merlot in California, but the rising cost of grapes and land can translate to hefty price tags for the region's top wines. This selection of reds delivers character and depth at reasonable prices, and also includes a solid value from Paso Robles.
Hoopes leads the pack with its intriguing 2014 Cabernet, which is pure and racy in feel. In 1983, founder Spencer Hoopes planted 10 acres of Cabernet on the valley floor at the southern end of the Oakville AVA. He started bottling his own wines 15 years later, turning to his daughter Lindsay to manage the winery.
Balius is one to watch, since Rutherford Cabernet this good typically costs a lot more. Bargain hunters may also consider RouteStock's version, with its sleek and polished finish.
Merlot fans have some appealing options here, including the new release from Whitehall Lane, a blend of Merlot from the Rutherford, St. Helena and Oak Knoll District AVAs. And Raymond takes a similar multi-vineyard approach with its Reserve Selection.
HOOPES Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2014
Intriguing, with an overt mint, sage and savory lead-in followed by a reserved core of red currant, loganberry and raspberry fruit flavors. Pure and racy in feel, with light bramble and apple wood notes scoring the very end. Lovely energy and range, albeit in a cooler, more herb-inflected style. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases made.
BALIUS Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Reserve Block 2014
This shows the sage and underbrush profile of the vintage, but with a bit more brightness to the fruit, as raspberry and plum coulis flavors emerge from the core. Light graphite, anise and mineral hints streak the finish. Best from 2020 through 2034. 1,900 cases made.
WHITEHALL LANE Merlot Napa Valley 2015
This stretches out nicely, with notes of sandalwood and Asian spice to the crushed red fruit flavors. Chocolate and cream details show on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 8,425 cases made.
FLORA SPRINGS Merlot Napa Valley 2015
This offers a suave core of well-spiced cherry compote and plum tart flavors. Smoky hints show on the finish. Drink now. 4,500 cases made.
RAYMOND Merlot Napa Valley Reserve Selection 2014
Peppery notes accent the dried savory spice and red fruit flavors in this sinewy red, which offers hot stone and spice details on the finish. Drink now through 2021. 5,990 cases made.
ROUTESTOCK Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 29 2016
A flash of sage leads off, followed by ripe plum and raspberry fruit flavors. The sleek and polished finish has a kiss of toast. Drink now. 16,510 cases made.
MADDALENA Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2014
This sports a frankly jammy profile, with a mix of raspberry, plum and boysenberry compote flavors laced with fruitcake notes and coated with a healthy dose of toast through the finish. Drink now through 2020. 3,000 cases made.