Lush, round and flavorful, this Cab pleases for its array of fruit. Made in a soft, gentle style, its blackberry, currant, cherry and cocoa flavors finish in a swirl of sweet anise and pepper. ——S.H.(11/1/2008)—— 86

Pretty smooth and balanced for such an inexpensive wine, this does a good job of intertwining ripe fruity flavors with earthy, herbal ones, then adding a tasteful level of oak. It finishes dry, with a scour of tannins.——S.H.(11/1/2007)—— 86

The California appellation on the label doesn’t tell you, but the grapes are from Hames Valley, an interesting little region midway between the cool Salinas Valley and warm Paso Robles. The wine has good acidity and treads a delicate line between cherries and more herbal notes. Light and food-friendly. ——S.H.(11/15/2006)—— 85