Dry, tough and gritty. The main issue is the tannins, which are hard as nails, and coat the mouth with sandpapery astringency. Yet underneath is a solid core of blackberry fruit. Classically old style Mount Veeder, this Cabernet wants a good six years in the cellar, and it could develop for far longer.——S.H.(12/15/2011)—— 90

A lovely Cabernet, brimming with complex blackberry, cherry, mineral, tobacco and cedar flavors that impress for their sheer power. Shows the firm, hard tannins this mountain always lends Cabs, but they’re so finely ground, the wine is drinkable now with a good decanting. Should age well for a decade. ——S.H.(10/1/2010)—— 95