The 2004 Flying Pig is 57% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in French oak, 60% new. Purple-colored, the perfume is marked by the Cabernet Franc with its herbal/menthol notes. In addition, there is an abundance of pain grille, spice box, licorice, and black currants. Velvety-textured, the wine is super-rich, layered, and showy on the palate. There is plenty of ripe tannin to accompany the sweet fruit, and terrific length. Allow 6-8 years in the cellar and drink this brilliant effort through 2040. If that is not enough, I tasted a barrel sample of a 2005 Grenache which rivals the best grown in the USA. Could it be that before long Manfred Krankl of SQN will be known as the Christophe Baron of the Central Coast? Tel. (509) 526-0686; www.cayuse.com

The Flying Pig, dominated by 57% Cabernet Franc, is substantial, dark, and at three years of age is already bricking around the edges. It’s concentrated, and it’s got a strong herbal streak with a lot of earthy, funky, stemmy flavors. Tannins are tough, the fruit is an unusual mix of raisin, plum, black olive with coffee syrup, balsamic and compost. Flavors are Bordeaux-like, while the intensity suggests the New World.——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 89