The love-it or leave-it aromas of bell peppers were quite prominent in the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, which showed classic aromas and proportions, clearly a warm climate Cabernet with some developed aromas of cigar box and sweet spices. It shows less compact than the Syrah or the Tempranillo. 67,000 bottles.

Focused and lively, this red offers black cherry, licorice, black tea and toast flavors, with crisp acidity and light, firm tannins. Balanced and expressive. Drink now through 2018. 2,000 cases made, 350 cases imported.??–TM??Region: Spain / La Mancha Select to Add

A truly varietal wine, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon followed a similar modus operandi as the rest of the varietal range: machine harvested at night, with fermentation in stainless steel and aging in oak barrels for a few months. In this case, the wood was American, as winemaker Lauren Rosillo found it works better with the grape. The nose is that of a textbook Cabernet, with its blackberry, cedar wood, mint and plenty of spices and balsamic aromas. The palate shows the refined tannins from the variety, making the wine quite tasty, balanced, fresh and easy to drink. 67,000 bottles.

Starts out pretty good and fruity, but becomes more challenged with time. There’s a truckload of early raspberry fruit, but it turns more sharp and piercing the more time it sits. Lengthy and potent, but not elevated.——M.S.(10/1/2009)—— 84

Decent Cabernet for the price, with minty, herbal notes joining black currants on the nose. Slightly weedy and earthy on the palate, and it finishes tart.——W.E.(11/1/2003)—— 85