Simply...The Wine Thread

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

James Laube on affordable Sonoma reds:

FREI BROTHERS Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Reserve 2012 Score: 92 | $27
Combines firm, dark fruit and chewy tannins with a measure of finesse and refinement. Ends with gripping, cedary tannins, bolstered by good length and depth. Drink now through 2024. 50,000 cases made.—J.L.

CAMERON HUGHES Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley Lot 515 Monte Rosso Vineyard 2012 Score: 92 | $32
Combines intense Cabernet fruit with a rustic edge amid rich, creamy layers of mocha, blackberry, cassis and black licorice. Unfolds to reveal firm, chewy tannins, with a dusty, cedary element. Drink now through 2025. 500 cases made.—J.L.

CHATEAU ST. JEAN Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2012 Score: 91 | $30
Exhibits ripe and juicy, yet firm, flavors of currant and blackberry amid a gravelly earthiness before finding focus on the finish, where the tannins are chewy, revealing a licorice touch. Drink now through 2025. 7,000 cases made.—J.L.

THE PRISONER WINE COMPANY Cuttings California 2012 Score: 91 | $50
Offers ripe, explosive red and dark berry fruit that's intense and tannic, yet with a measure of finesse, ending with firm, chewy tannins and good length. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel. Drink now through 2027. 5,000 cases made.—J.L.

SEBASTIANI Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Gravel Bed 2012 Score: 91 | $40
Offers a distinctive sandy, gravelly edge of earthiness beneath the rich core of blackberry and licorice flavors. Ends with chewy tannins and a dash of spicy, cedary oak. Drink now through 2026. 620 cases made.—J.L.

RODNEY STRONG Symmetry Meritage Alexander Valley 2012 Score: 89 | $55
Dense and extracted, this serves up a complex range of flavors, from black cherry to wild berry to currant, all shaded with light oak and a touch of espresso. Shows a measure of finesse and refinement overall. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026. 9,337 cases made.—J.L.

The Prisoner is one of the BEST value reds at that price point. Symmetry is also a special one. Some good picks there...at good price points.