The 2005 Blend 24 (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 30% Sangiovese, and 7% Petite Sirah) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of black currants, smoky oak, and a touch of forest floor, followed by a heady, full-bodied, rich style with good acidity as well as sweet tannins. Only one-third new oak is used, so the fruit dominates. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. This relatively new producer’s debut vintage was 2003, but these are the first wines I have tasted from B Cellars. Proprietors Jim Borsack and Duffy Keys have hired Kirk Venge as their consulting winemaker, and the wines are clearly made in a fruit-forward style that should satisfy consumers and restaurants looking for immediate drinkability. Two of their flagship wines are their Blend 24 and Blend 25. The Blend 24 is normally dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Merlot, followed by Sangiovese and Petite Sirah. The Blend 25 is usually a two varietal blend of two-thirds Cabernet Sauvignon and one-third Syrah. The third blend, the Blend 26, is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from three vineyard sites. Two-thirds come from the Stagecoach Vineyard above the Silverado Trail, 23% from the To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, and 11% from the Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena.Tel. (949) 348-8820; Fax (949) 348-8821

Tannic and fruity, with a raw mouthfeel, this dry young wine is meant to wash down steaks, chops and so forth. Not likely to age, so drink now. Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.——S.H.(12/15/2008)—— 86