Beaulieu Vineyard BV Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc with the remaining 4% Merlot and Petit Verdot, barrel aged for 10 months in a combination of oak (42% American, 39% French and 19% Hungarian oak), of those 6% is new barrels and alcohol comes in at 14.1%.

This wine opened up with aromas of blackberry-blueberry, dried currants, white pepper, spice box and vanilla notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with nice fruit and spices flavours, fresh acidity and fine grained tannins. Perfect weight on the length and on the finish, with a silky smooth texture and excellent depth of flavours. An elegant, complex and well balanced wine, which I enjoyed with cheese and charcuterie platter. It worked beautifully. Score 91 points. 

Purchased April 13, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (987420) at $25.95

Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot with maturation taking place in both French and American oak (50% new) and alcohol coming in at 14.6%.

The benefit of blending and great winemaking is in full display here, starting with great aromatics, this wine opened up with aromas of plumy-black cherry fruit, cassis, cedar, pepper and light liquorice. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, rich ripe California fruit flavours with gentle oak spices, vanilla, fine acidity and silky smooth tannins. Great length, energy and flavours on the finish. What you get from Beaulieu Vineyard Tapestry Reserve 2008 is a very elegant wine, finely textured and very fragrant. Drinking well right now or hold 2-3 years, gorgeous wine. Score 91 points.  

Purchased August 4, 2012 LCBO New Release (050393) at $34.95