There’s a good chance you haven’t heard of this wine, but drop what you’re doing and try to track some down. Its brilliantly pure nose literally explodes from the glass and then gets better with time. Textured but not overdone, this is perfectly ripe Napa fruit from Rutherford and Howell Mountain brought to market with a masterful touch. Sublime vanilla and…
— M.S.
(10/1/1999)
This is a big, dry, plush, ripe and very fine Cabernet, but it’s an infant in serious need of time. There are numbing tannins that frame deliciously sweet black cherry, blackberry and herb flavors. Try after 2010.
— S.H.
(10/1/2004)
Interesting aromatics of cumin, tree bark, chocolate and more on top of black fruit: cassis and plum, mostly. Oak and currants bring it home, with a fair share of toasted oak speaking up on the finish. Rich, plush and drinkable almost immediately.
— W.E.
(11/1/2000)
This has acids and tannins and plenty of structure. The winemaker is aiming at an ageworthy, more classic wine. It needs time, or at the very least, serious decanting. But the stuffing is there. Hold until 2010.
— S.H.
(8/1/2007)