Aquinas represents one of the true Napa valley values that really cannot be found very often. The world famous wine maker Don Sebastiani, uses his 30 plus year contact within the Napa Valley to buy the best fruit possible to make these outstanding values. Year after year I am amazed how he makes such good values ­not to be missed out on.

A few decades ago, Napa Valley turned the world upside down for a great reason: it was producing exceptional wines at reasonable prices. Wine drinkers around the world gradually recognized that they could enjoy terrific wine without paying outrageous premiums or earning a degree in enology. But you know the story. As Napa Valley wines got richer and deeper, their prices followed suit, and smart wine lovers eventually started looking elsewhere; South America, Australia, New Zealand, even exotic Oregon for exciting wines they could enjoy on a regular basis. Now thanks to Don Sebastiani & Sons, they are bringing back the pleasure of outstanding but accessible Napa Valley varietals. Increasingly, people are simply enjoying good wine, rather than savoring the amount they spent. For people who appreciate the well earned distinction of the Napa Valley appellation but aren't impressed by ostentatious prices tags or historical laurels, we have a simple message: Welcome to a new era in Napa Valley wine.

Tasting Notes
This classic Cabernet has a great nose filled with aromas of blackberries, fresh figs, cedar oak, and hints of minerals and earthy notes. From the first sip, this wine reveals enveloping flavors of currant, more blackberries, black olives, tobacco, and toasted walnuts, finishing with rich French oak and subtle cloves.

Food Paring
This wine is an excellent choice with grilled Sirloin steaks smothered in caramelized onions and mushrooms or roasted quail, stuffed with breadcrumbs, roasted red pepper and olives. It also pairs well with whole wheat penne pasta, tossed with saut¨¦ed wild mushrooms, arugula, and goat cheese, or potato-artichoke gratin with aged Gruyere.

Rating

87 Points - Wine Spectator
"This is a bit rustic, but very tasty, delivering tangy cherry, plum, cassis and cedar notes, with a splash of fresh mint. Drink now through 2012. 52,800 cases made. ¨CMW" -