Checkerboard Vineyards Kings Row Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2011

$125

The Checkerboard label has, in just one year, become one of the more sought-after wines for collectors and consumers! The property is located on Diamond Mountain, in the western hills of the Napa Valley, and the wines are made by the exceptionally talented Martha McClellan (also of Sloan and Levy & McClellan). What makes the Checkerboard wines rise above others at this price point is the shear intensity, harmony, balance, and individuality, along with that je ne sais quoi. We feel this wine is of the same quality as other superstars like Caymus Special Selection, Continuum, Dalla Valle, Lewis, or even Peter Michael. The Kings Row bottling is a second wine of Checkerboard, but it is important to know that the vineyards are virtually the same as Checkerboard, and the wine is made with the same barrel program, oak treatment and aging. The only difference here is the blend, which is completed after the final blend is finished for Checkerboard. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, and 3% Petite Verdot, the wine is even more complex and structured than the 2008, very well balanced with black fruit, milk chocolate, oak spice and a ripe, supple, lush texture, finishing with tighter tannins.  

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Ratings on Delectable

Jason Chang Delectable Pro

Proprietor NINE SUNS Winery, HOUYI Vineyard

Out of mag!

Out of mag!

9.2

Claire Gabaldon Delectable Pro

Wine Club and Social Media Manager Spring Mountain Vineyard

2011 Kings Row, Napa Valley. Fit for Kings and Queens everywhere!

2011 Kings Row, Napa Valley. Fit for Kings and Queens everywhere!

9.6

Eric Casias

Was nervous about the 2011 Vintage but this guy is singing. Beautiful nose, wonderful finish. Cheers!

Was nervous about the 2011 Vintage but this guy is singing. Beautiful nose, wonderful finish. Cheers!

9.4

Carl Fischer Delectable Pro

Very solid wine, a little brooding and a touch tannic. Decanted for an hour and showed cassis and jammy flavors balanced with a touch of oak and a very silky mouthfeel.

Very solid wine, a little brooding and a touch tannic. Decanted for an hour and showed cassis and jammy flavors balanced with a touch of oak and a very silky mouthfeel.

9.2

Keith Eddleman

This is my all time favorite. I gave it a 10 because from now on all other wines will be measured against it.

This is my all time favorite. I gave it a 10 because from now on all other wines will be measured against it.

10

Aryn Nakaoka

Great

Great

9.7

WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.