Blackcurrant, mulberry, incense, sweet tobacco and sandalwood on the nose. It's full-bodied with firm, chewy tannins. Vibrant and textured on the palate. Structured and grippy with a polished finish. A blend of 91% cabernet sauvignon, 6% malbec, 2% petit verdot and 1% merlot.

Bright medium ruby. More oaky on the nose than the entry-level Cabernet, with chocolate mint and brown spice aromas currently overshadowing cassis and blackberry fruit notes; this struck me as a bit Napa-like. Plush, ripe and spicy on the palate, showing lovely sweetness but also considerable restraint and nicely integrated acidity. Finishes with very good length, the serious, building tannins reaching the front teeth. This will need a year or two to absorb its oak and reveal its inherent strong material, but I'm not sure that it's better than the basic Cabernet, which is a bit juicier, not to mention an excellent value.

Highly regarded StoneTree Vineyard is the dominant fruit source for this wine. Coffee, dried herb and black-cherry aromas lead to a palate that brings a whole lot of seriousness to it. It's rich and dense, full of tannic heft. Give it time to stretch its legs—and drink it at a cool temperature—to see it at its best.