The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia is soft, sensual and inviting. Dark red berries, freshly cut flowers and mint are some of the many notes that are woven together in the glass. The 2011 is all about detail, nuance and delineation. A relatively soft, accessible wine for the year, the 2011 should drink well fairly soon upon release. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2023. Fisher Vineyards is very much a family affair. Fred and Juelle Fisher founded the winery in 1973 and have since been joined by their three children. Whitney Fisher handles the winemaking duties, her brother Cameron takes care of sales and their brother Rob runs the business as General Manager. The Fishers own two estates. Their Napa Valley property, located in Calistoga, is the source of the flagship Cabernets Coach Insignia and Lamb Vineyard, as well as the Cameron, a young vines bottling. The Spring Mountain estate, which is on the Sonoma side of the appellation, is the source of the Wedding Vineyard and Mountain Estate Vineyard Cabernets, as well as the Chardonnays. Once again, I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted. Fisher Vineyards remains one of California’s undiscovered jewels.Tel. (707) 539-7511

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia is a thrilling wine. Cassis, blackberries, mint and minerals are some of the many notes that burst from the glass in this stunning Cabernet Sauvignon. There is more than enough pliancy and mid-palate depth to match the wine’s considerable structure. This is a hugely promising wine from Whitney Fisher. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. (Not yet released)Fisher Vineyards is a family affair. The estate is owned by Fred and Juelle Fisher, while their children Whitney, Robert and Cameron all run various parts of the operation. Whitney Fisher heads up winemaking, while Aaron Pott is the consulting winemaker. Over the last few years Fisher has moved to a longer barrel-aging regime for the Chardonnays of 16-17 months, rather than 11 months, which used to be the norm. The malos are often partially blocked and the wines are now aged with no SO2 until bottling. There are three Cabernets from estate-owned vineyards; the Lamb and Coach Insignia vineyards are in Napa Valley, while the Wedding Vineyard is in Sonoma. The Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon typically includes a portion of Cabernet Franc.Tel. (707) 539-7511

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia is a big, rich wine bursting with dark fruit. It shows quite a bit more density and power than the 2008. The expansive, voluptuous finish is captivating. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. (Not yet released)Fisher Vineyards is a family affair. The estate is owned by Fred and Juelle Fisher, while their children Whitney, Robert and Cameron all run various parts of the operation. Whitney Fisher heads up winemaking, while Aaron Pott is the consulting winemaker. Over the last few years Fisher has moved to a longer barrel-aging regime for the Chardonnays of 16-17 months, rather than 11 months, which used to be the norm. The malos are often partially blocked and the wines are now aged with no SO2 until bottling. There are three Cabernets from estate-owned vineyards; the Lamb and Coach Insignia vineyards are in Napa Valley, while the Wedding Vineyard is in Sonoma. The Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon typically includes a portion of Cabernet Franc.Tel. (707) 539-7511

The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia is a gorgeous, refined wine laced with expressive red fruit, flowers, mint and licorice. The elegant, feminine side of Cabernet comes through, along with a hint of mocha and spice from the presence of 8% Cabernet Franc in the blend. Hints of sweet herbs and licorice reappear on the finish. Today the 2008 looks to be a fairly early-maturing wine, but I don’t think that will be much of an issue based on how delicious it is. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Fisher Vineyards is a family affair. The estate is owned by Fred and Juelle Fisher, while their children Whitney, Robert and Cameron all run various parts of the operation. Whitney Fisher heads up winemaking, while Aaron Pott is the consulting winemaker. Over the last few years Fisher has moved to a longer barrel-aging regime for the Chardonnays of 16-17 months, rather than 11 months, which used to be the norm. The malos are often partially blocked and the wines are now aged with no SO2 until bottling. There are three Cabernets from estate-owned vineyards; the Lamb and Coach Insignia vineyards are in Napa Valley, while the Wedding Vineyard is in Sonoma. The Wedding Cabernet Sauvignon typically includes a portion of Cabernet Franc.Tel. (707) 539-7511

This venerable winery has produced a beautiful 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Coach Insignia. Its deep ruby/purple color is accompanied by notes of charcoal, background wood smoke, black currants, and a hint of graphite. Elegant and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin, a seductive texture, and surprising opulence, it should drink nicely for 10-15 years. Tel. (707) 539-7511; Fax (707) 539-3601