While not a Rhone Ranger, the inky ruby/purple-colored 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) may be the finest Cabernet I have tasted from the Paso Robles area over the last few years. Still monolithic, but impressively rich, long, and spicy, with aromas of creme de cassis, tobacco, and earth, this tannic, medium to full-bodied, impeccably well-made Cabernet will drink well for 10-15 years. It is good to see Cabernet Sauvignon with this kind of freshness as well as concentration emerge from this area. The 2002s were bottled about five weeks before I tasted them, so perhaps some allowance needs to be factored in these tasting notes. However, they are very impressive efforts, even though they may have been slightly closed. Tel. (805) 227-1588