The appellation says Alexander Valley, but this is a high mountain vineyard, and this Cab has some hefty tannins. It’s dry and delicious, with intense black currant flavors and elaborately smoked oak. Drink now with a good steak. It may be a little too soft to endure aging. ——S.H.(12/15/2005)—— 90

Simple and earthy, with coffee and spiced plum flavors. Curiously lean and one-dimensional for such a great vintage. The tannins are soft and melted and acids are also easy.——S.H.(8/1/2003)—— 85

Deep cassis fruit wears strong earth and leafy, herbal notes in this balanced, medium-weight wine. There's good concentration, but the green note seen in many 1998's detracts. It's more vegetal than herbal to some tasters. Closes with firm, drying tannins, an earthy note and decent length.——W.E.(12/1/2001)—— 87