The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Founder’s Selection spent 24 months in new French barriques. Aromas of toasty oak, pencil lead, violets, spice box, and black fruits lead to a plush, nearly opulent effort with enough deftly concealed ripe tannin to evolve for 3-4 years. This classy effort will provide optimum drinking from 2015 to 2022. Importer: T. Edward Wines, New York, NY; www.tedwardwines.com

It’s surprising how outright herbal and leafy this wine is, which isn’t to say it’s bad. But it does seem greener than in the past, with olive and green tobacco on the nose and then leafy, herbal, light fruit flavors controlling the palate. Otherwise, it’s oaky and a little tannic, with good structure.——M.S.(7/1/2011)—— 87

Earthy and a touch shy at first, with lightly floral aromas that blend well with the scents of baked plum, prune and blackberry. It’s heavy and cheek-grabbing, but also hugely flavorful and loaded with cassis, blackberry, herbs and tobacco. Long as a marathon on the finish. Drink from 2011 through 2014. 1,000 cases made. ——M.S.(12/1/2010)—— 91

Thyme, cinnamon, liquorice and leathery aromas. Big fruit, juicy acidity and grippy tannins.