An attractive dark ruby/purple color is followed by black currant, spice box and loamy soil (often referred to as Rutherford dust) aromas. Medium to full-bodied with good purity, soft tannins and an up-front style, this may be the finest effort I have tasted from Hewitt. The wine’s balance and depth should insure at least 15 years of graceful drinking. Tel. (707) 968-3638

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is a slightly softer, more forward wine, but it should last just as long. It is more typically Californian in its opulent black currant fruit intermixed with notes of chocolate, crushed rocks, vanilla, and black fruits. The tannins are sweeter than in the 2006, and the wine is full-bodied with a layered texture, admirable purity and depth, and a blockbuster finish with no shortage of tannin. Approachable now, it will be better in 2-3 years, and should last for 20-25 years. These two 100% Cabernet Sauvignons from the Rutherford appellation are part of the Diageo empire of wines, which includes their flagship estate, Beaulieu Vineyard.Tel. (707) 968-3638

Made from 100% Cabernet, this wine is very extracted and jammy, in the modern style of extreme ripeness and fruit-forwardness. Sweet oak, 70% of it new, adds layers of cream, vanilla and buttered toast. Appeals now for its juicy, New World style. ——S.H.(12/1/2010)—— 90

Hewitt’s 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon is a large-scaled, structured effort displaying plenty of dusty, earthy notes intermixed with chocolate, licorice, spice box, black currant, and new oak smells. With an opaque purple color as well as terrific depth and intensity, this seriously-endowed 2006 will require some cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2035. These two 100% Cabernet Sauvignons from the Rutherford appellation are part of the Diageo empire of wines, which includes their flagship estate, Beaulieu Vineyard.Tel. (707) 968-3638