The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 16 Rows is produced from a more southern Oakville vineyard. It exhibits a similar dark ruby/purple color in addition to notes of oak, spice, red cherries and black currants. There is almost a Rutherford dust character to this cuvee even though it is from Oakville. Medium-bodied and fresh, but not as complex as the 2007 Picket Road, it should drink well for a decade. Tel. (707) 944-1364

Sure is rich and ripe, like a chocolate, blackberry and cherry tart, with heat from alcohol. But this 100% Cabernet is curiously soft, lacking vital structure. Seems to push the California style to an extreme.——S.H.(12/1/2011)—— 87