The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Patzimaro Vineyard is the darkest and firmest of these 2008 Cabernets. Dark plums, cherries, mint, flowers, and licorice are some of the notes that emerge from this powerful, structured wine. The Patzimaro is accessible today, but should also age for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020. These fairly innocuous wines from Duckhorn represent the best of the seven wines I tasted. Tel. (888) 354-8885

The finest wine of this group appears to be the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Patzimaro Vineyard. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color, attractive aromas of lead pencil shavings, black currants, and loamy soil, good fruit, and an elegant, medium-bodied personality. There are some noticeable tannins, but they are sufficiently balanced. Give this 2006 5-6 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following two decades. I have higher hopes for Duckhorn's 2007s than the bevy of 2006s I tasted. While they are good, most had issues with hard, aggressive tannins as well as high acid levels that give the wines clipped personalities. In short, if a wine tastes too tannic, it is too tannic, and that may be the problem with Duckhorn's 2006s. Readers should note that any wine that received a score with a question mark will undoubtedly dry out and become hollow before it ever blossoms. Tel. (888) 354-8885; Fax (707) 963-7595

From St. Helena comes this massive Cab, made in the Duckhorn style of intense, hard tannins in its youth. One hundred percent new French oak is perfectly in keeping with the wine’s volume. With a deep core of black currants, blackberries, dark chocolate and sage, this cellarworthy wine will be best after 2011.——S.H.(4/1/2009)—— 94

The single vineyard cuvee of 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Patzimaro Vineyard Estate (470 cases) plays it closer to the vest. Its personality is similar to that of the Estate cuvee, but it is leaner in the mouth, with more acidity as well as some austerity in the finish. It may turn out to be outstanding with another 1-2 years of bottle age, but at present, I prefer the Estate Cabernet. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2024. Tel. (707) 963-7108; Fax (707) 945-1009