The 2004 Omrah Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of smoke, tobacco, black currants, cassis, and plum. This is followed by a forward, supple wine with good black fruit flavors and a moderately long finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.Also tasted: 2006 Omrah Unoaked Chardonnay (84), 2006 Hazard Hill Rose (79), 2005 Plantagenet “Lioness” Shiraz-Viognier (84), 2006 Plantagenet “Off the Rack” Chenin Blanc (83)The original owner of Plantagenet, Tony Smith, was the first to plant vines in the cool climate Great Southern region in Western Australia in 1968, with the Plantagenet winery established in Mount Barker in 1975. There are three tiers of wine; Hazard Hill is the entry level made primarily from purchased fruit sourced outside of the Great Southern region; Omrah, sourced from estate fruit and growers in neighboring regions, and Plantagenet made from estate fruit.Importer: Robert Whale Selections, Washington, DC; www.plantagenetwines.com

A good value, this starts off a little shaky thanks to some barnyard scents on the nose, then rights itself. Herbal-tobacco notes accent plum-prune flavors in this medium-bodied wine with a creamy-smooth texture. Soft and easygoing, it’s ideal to drink now.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 88