The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale matured for 23 months in French and American oak barrels and was bottled without fining or filtration. It has a deep garnet color and expressive aromas of dried lavender, cast iron, charcuterie and spice, maintaining a core of dark berry fruit. The palate is powdery and seamless, its gently desiccated fruits balanced by tertiary, iron-like character, and it finishes with ethereal perfume. It's holding on well but won't improve past this point, so drink up! - Erin Brooks