More backward and less precocious and mature is the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Sycamore, a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc. Like Bosche, winemaker Ted Edwards ages it two years in French oak prior to bottling. The Sycamore Vineyard, just south of Bosche, is planted in gravelly clay and loam soils. The wine reveals a dark, dense ruby/purple color along with copious spicy oak notes intermixed with blackberry, cedarwood, Christmas fruitcake and licorice characteristics. Deep, full-bodied and moderately tannic, this youthful 2001 will benefit from another 2-3 years of bottle age and drink well for 15+ years. Two brilliant efforts from Freemark Abbey, this is the first time I tasted these wines as I missed them when I tasted the 2001s eight years ago. Tel. (800) 963-9698; Fax (707) 963-7633

Full-bodied and dense, with an almost liqueurish, syrupy mouthfeel, and extracted in jammy cherry, plum and cassis flavors. Also a little soft. But the tannins are rich and the wine is absolutely dry. Might develop subtlety and greater finesse in 5 or 6 years.——S.H.(10/1/2004)—— 87