The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Blocks Road” was sourced from two older vineyards with yields of less than 1.5 tons per acre and was aged in French oak, 40% new. It offers aromas of menthol and mint along with earth, pencil lead, and black currant. This is followed by a structured wine which finishes just a bit lean and compact. It may blossom with 6-8 years in the cellar but that is a gamble. Kilikanoon’s winemaker is the talented Kevin Mitchell. The house specialty is Shiraz but Mitchell does equally well with Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache.Importers: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800; Michael Opdahl, Joshua Tree Imports, Duarte, CA; Tel: (626) 358-6600

Has a slightly pickle-briny edge to the nose that’s offputting, not exactly complementing the wine’s herb and tart cherry flavors.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 82