Some coffee and cola aromas add excitement to the otherwise black-fruit nose. The big cassis and plum flavors on the palate are rich enough to elicit tastes and textures of chocolate. A very pleasurable drink-me-now wine, with a fine bitterness to the finish.——W.E.(11/1/2000)—— 91

This Cab, from a vintage that has been criticized for a perceived lack of longevity, is still chugging right along. Smoky and toasty on the nose, it adds flavors of superripe fruit on the palate: dates, figs and prunes. Richly textured, with a long, still-chewy finish. Drink now–2010.——W.E.(12/15/2005)—— 89