From a new winery focused on Bordeaux-style blends, this is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot, with a splash of Cab Franc. Pondera is a bit ponderous, up at 15% alcohol (at least) and betting the farm on fruit and oak. If that’s your style, this may suit you, although with Washington fruit you get a fair amount of acid rather than the generous breadth of the ripest California Cabs.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 86