Lush, balanced and totally delightful, this Cab, from a veteran producer, showcases ripe grapes bursting with currant, cherry and oaky flavors. It’s dry and elegant through the long finish.
— S.H.
(4/1/2005)
Lush fruit here, all blackberries and cassis and sweet olive tapenade. The tannins are wonderful, at once firm and unyielding, and then turning buttery. Oak provides a smoky, spicy framework. The acidity is odd, though. It doesn’t seem integrated.
— S.H.
(6/1/2002)
From the winery’s estate vineyard, south of Yountville, a big wine, with an impressive depth of flavor. Cherries and wild berries and all kinds of dry leafy herbs are wrapped in silky tannins, with firm acidity. Overall, the wine feels plush and luxurious all the way down. —S.H.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
Everything about this wine is designed to flatter the palate, from the cherry and black raspberry fruit, dusted with dry crushed spices, to the overlay of richly toasted oak, to the soft, yielding tannins. What’s not to like? It ain’t grand cru Burgundy, but it sure is nice drinking. —S.H.
— S.H.
(9/1/2002)
Plenty of sweet fruity flavor in this savory wine. Wild blackberries, blueberries and cherries are joined with peppery spices, and the wine is completely dry. Keeps the alcohol nicely balanced, and will be super with barbecue.
— S.H.
(9/1/2004)
Rather soft in texture and a little one-dimensional, but you’ll find pleasant cherry, cola and oak flavors and a rich tannin-oak complex. Finishes dry and elegant.
— S.H.
(4/1/2005)
Oaky and leesy, from the first whiff to the finish. You pick up on the toast and char and the sweet-sour lees. The problem is the fruit, which is watery. The diluted apple flavors let the acidity dominate the mouthfeel.
— S.H.
(9/1/2004)
Rather aggressive now in acids and tannins, with lots of oak and cherry and earth flavors. Simple now, but might knit together and improve in a year or two.
— S.H.
(7/1/2005)