The powerful (14.1% alcohol) 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Lamb Vineyard has been aged in barrel, of which 50% are new. Like all of Fisher's reds, it is bottled without filtration. The color is an opaque purple, and the wine is closed, offering hints of licorice, blueberries, black currants, and spicy oak. In the mouth, it is long, rich, restrained, with the tannin still making a noticeable impression, outstanding purity, a full-bodied mouth-feel, and superb potential. This wine requires another 4-5 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. The Lamb Vineyard emerges from a Napa parcel on Pickett Lane, near the Araujo estate. Production is limited with only 100-500 cases produced. 1996 and 1997 were strong vintages for Fisher Vineyards. The 1996s are undoubtedly lower in alcoholic power than the heady 1997s. Tel. (707) 539-7511; Fax (707) 539-3601