The excellent 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon (13.5% alcohol and made from a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Cabernet Franc) is more sternly constructed and possesses rougher tannin than the 1997. The wine's saturated ruby color is followed by a big spicy black currant loamy soil and smoky-scented bouquet. The mid-palate is rich pure and well-endowed and there is noticeable tannin in the moderately long finish (a characteristic of many 1996 North Coast reds). This wine will benefit from 1-3 years of cellaring and will keep for 12-15.