There are approximately 500 cases of the 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon Patzimaro Vineyard. Although closed, it possesses an impressively saturated ruby/purple color as well as aromas of road tar, earth, white chocolate, and black currants. Powerful, rich, and dense, this austere but impressively-endowed Cabernet needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15. Tel. (707) 963-7108

A great wine. It’s a bit more herbaceous than Duckhorn’s Monitor Ledge, but it still has a rich core of cassis fruit that seems almost dessert-sweet, although the wine is dry. Limpid, elegant and beautifully structured, this complex wine will age for at least a decade. ——S.H.(8/1/2004)—— 91