A study in balance from the warm Pope Valley region. Shows flamboyant blackberry and chocolate fruit but has a masculine firm edge from the tannins and acids and is also well oaked. In fact those tannins are big enough to age it for a decade or more.

Not surprisingly the most rustic balls-to-the-walls offering here is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Wild Boar Vineyard. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by aromas of earth new saddle leather and licorice. Plenty of power and body are found in this macho-styled Cabernet along with noticeably high tannin. It is questionable whether all the tannin will fall away but there is plenty to like in this big mouth-filling teeth-staining 2001. It should hit its prime in 2-3 years and last for 12-15.