An excellent effort, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Frankland River is 100% Cabernet that was aged 18 months in French oak. It exhibits attractive floral, black currant, blueberry, and toasty oak characteristics in an elegant, medium-bodied personality. Enjoy it over the next 4-6 years. Importer: Jane Delaney, The Ravensvale Group, Greenwich, CT; tel. (800) 580-0052

This wine’s aromas are intensely herbal, partially offset by meaty notes and hints of leather. It’s pleasantly plump in the mouth, with some soft tannins, then picks up a cracked-pepper component on the finish.——J.C.(2/1/2008)—— 84