Appealing earth, plum stewed fruit and black cherry bouquet. Stylish and easy drinking Cabernet which is sweet, ripe and plush. Firm yet evenly proportioned.

Not quite in the same league as the past few vintages, Craig’s ‘06 nonetheless shows dramatic Howell Mountain tannins of the sort that need years to resolve. The problem is the fruit. The wine’s core of blackcurrants and violets is rich, but may not be hearty enough to outlive the tannins.——S.H.(11/1/2009)—— 87