The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso Vineyard is a racy, super-ripe wine layered with dark Morello cherries, chocolate, flower, spices and mint. This is a decidedly textured, ravishing wine bursting with sensuality and sheer personality. Sbragia sources this fruit from Betty O’Shaughnessy’s Rancho del Oso vineyard on Howell Mountain. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. This is a terrific set of wines from Ed Sbragia. I was especially impressed with the 2009 Cabernets. The Cabernets are made from mountain vineyards and include a dollop of Cabernet Franc. Readers should note that Sbragia chose not to bottle the 2008 Cabernets, hence the lack of notes for those wines in our database.Tel. (866) 222-4342

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso Vineyard shows the characteristic salinity and tension of Howell Mountain. Dark red cherries, plums, licorice, mint and grilled herbs are all supported by insistent yet polished tannins. This is a highly intriguing wine. The only question is how long it will take to deliver all the promise that is in the glass. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029. Ed Sbragia can be counted on for wines that deliver consistently outstanding quality and plenty of personality. His 2009 Cabernets are particularly of note. Sbragia also has a magic touch when it comes to Chardonnay from Gamble Ranch, fruit he has worked with since 1976. Tel. (866) 222-4342