The wine is 100% Cabernet, sourced from a vineyard in the Mayacamas. It’s very tannic and dry at this point. Such is the massive fruit core, of cassis and cherries, and the overall balance, that the wine must age well, even though it has no history of doing so. Hold until 2010 and try again.
— S.H.
(9/1/2006)
The 40% new French oak dominates right now, releasing refined aromas of char, cedar, cigar box and vanilla. Below that are profoundly ripe scents of cassis, black currants, mocha, herbs and minerals. Quite dry and tannic, but so powerful are the flavors and so balanced is the wine that it should easily negotiate the next 10 years. Decant now and serve with roasts…
— S.H.
(10/1/2007)
The vineyard is up in the Mayacamas between Spring Mountain and Sonoma Valley, and the wine shows quite a bit of power. Coming from this hot vintage, it’s also very ripe and fruity, in a California way. But it’s classically structured and dry, and the tannins are softly complex. This delicious, ageable Cab is a worthy followup to the ’03.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Shows a briary character, with spice and wild forest red berry and blackberry flavors, wrapped into rich, fine mountain tannins and generously oaked. There’s a young, fresh, primary fruit taste that suggests ageability. Try after 2011.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
This is a super-spicy Cabernet, front-loaded with pepper and Chinese five spice, that shows the briary, rustic nature of Dry Creek Valley red wines. It’s very dry, with a juicy core of black and red fruits. Drink now through 2010.
— S.H.
(12/1/2008)
Rich in varietal character, a full-bodied, dry red wine with classic flavors of blackberries, black currants, plums and spices, enhanced with smoky cedar. Fine acidity and smooth tannins provide structure. A lovely Cab for drinking now.
— S.H.
(12/15/2009)
This Cabernet has a wonderfully smooth texture. It’s tasty and rich in blackberry fruit, with a touch of sweet, savory raisin and lots of exotic spice. Easy to drink this dry wine over the next few years.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)
A little on the slender side, but this is respectable for its dry, balanced texture and pleasant blackberry and black currant flavors. It shows real elegance, too, although it’s not one for the cellar, so drink up.
— S.H.
(10/1/2012)