Deep garnet in color, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon is just a little closed and broody to begin, opening out to earthy notes of damp soil, truffles and mossy tree bark over a core of crème de cassis, baked plums and fruitcake plus wafts of tar, dried sage and chargrill. Full-bodied, rich and wonderfully savory in the mouth, it has a rugged frame of chewy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Not the least bit shy about standing up to its big and pricey mate this nicely crafted wine shares a keen focus on the currant fruit that makes Napa Valley Cabernets so special. It also shares a drift into slight fleshiness and in this case shows greater willingness to be drunk up in the next five years even if keeping it longer is within its ability to age. Still with a somewhat more open stance and more inviting price this wine serves up lots to like while we wait for the Special Selection.

With a lovely expressive nose the aromas are constantly evolving from blackberry to raspberry to kirsch framed by chocolate and floral accents. On the palate supple tannins and subtle wood notes add complexity to the primary fruit. The texture is plush and velvety offering bright cherry plum and vanilla. This wine drinks beautifully now once decanted for an hour or two. Otherwise hold for at least a year and enjoy for the next 5-7.

A flashy opulent Cabernet. You could even call it sexy. It's so soft and luxurious in blackberry blueberry and cassis flavors. Absolutely delicious by any standard yet the dry structure maintains elegant balance. Drink soon for youthful drama. Hard to believe production was nearly 72000 cases. S.H.

Supple and creamy-textured with mocha ripe plum and cherry flavors that show touches of tobacco espresso and underbrush. Full-bodied gaining tannic traction on the finish elegant and readily approachable. Drink now through 2018. 71690 cases made. -JL