RED OF THE WEEK

2014 Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Overall score: 18.7 (9.2 for quality, 9.5 for value) Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation with five scores of 9 or higher. “Black cherries and cola. Ripe and rich. Clean oak flavor.” My score: 9.3. “Smooth tannins. Voluptuous.”

Varietal/blend: 100 percent Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon Alcohol: 14.5 percent Winery/vineyards/winemaking: Houstonian Michael Stewart ran his own tech company for 25 years, during which time he acquired a taste for fine wines. He founded the Yountville-based winery in 2000. Paul Hobbs has been Stewart’s consulting winemaker from the get-go, but New Zealander Blair Guthrie took over as the on-site winemaker in 2015. Stewart Cellars’ tasting notes: “This age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of ripe plum, anise and hints of cinnamon. Flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry and toasty French oak layer the palate. The wine’s full body and mild texture are evident with the acidity rounding out the finish. We suggest decanting.” Pairings: Port wine braised short ribs. Beef tenderloin with blackberry dressing. Price: $59.84 at Spec’s