Pondera’s Sericus is based upon Merlot, while this Bordeaux-style blend is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. Solid fruit flavors of blueberry and plum are set amid sweet spices from the barrel aging. Cinnamon, sweet black tea and fine tannins lead through a balanced, lingering finish, with good grip and weight.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 90

From a new winery focused on Bordeaux-style blends, this is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot, with a splash of Cab Franc. Pondera is a bit ponderous, up at 15% alcohol (at least) and betting the farm on fruit and oak. If that’s your style, this may suit you, although with Washington fruit you get a fair amount of acid rather than the generous breadth of the ripest California Cabs.——P.G.(5/1/2009)—— 86