A foxy-smelling, juicy, jammy Cabernet with wild berry and sweet oak aromas setting up a forward-feeling palate with plum, berry, sweet oak and resiny flavors. Presents itself as balanced and above average but doesn’t go beyond that.——M.S.(3/1/2012)—— 87

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve spent 12 months in French oak. Cassis, chocolate, and a hint of mint inform the nose of a dense, concentrated, ripe Cabernet that over-delivers for its humble price. Drink this outstanding value over the next 5-6 years. Importer: Kysela Pere & Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-0228

Twelve months in barrel; purple color, expressive bouquet of spicy black fruits, sweetly-fruited.

Spirited and young upon opening, with jammy red-fruit aromas. It keeps a slightly candied character across the palate and onto the finish, with mocha, pepper and raisin flavors. In the end it is plenty ripe, with medium tannins and a solid structure. Not complex, world-class Cabernet but it more than does the trick.——M.S.(11/1/2008)—— 87