The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon 16 Rows is produced from a more southern Oakville vineyard. It exhibits a similar dark ruby/purple color in addition to notes of oak, spice, red cherries and black currants. There is almost a Rutherford dust character to this cuvee even though it is from Oakville. Medium-bodied and fresh, but not as complex as the 2007 Picket Road, it should drink well for a decade. Tel. (707) 944-1364

Sure is rich and ripe, like a chocolate, blackberry and cherry tart, with heat from alcohol. But this 100% Cabernet is curiously soft, lacking vital structure. Seems to push the California style to an extreme.——S.H.(12/1/2011)—— 87

A true sensation. Shows the richness and concentration you want in a great Napa Cab, but also a structure that lifts it above the soft, mushy wines that are so prevalent. There’s real tannin and acid architecture framing the opulent blackberry, black currant, mineral and cedar flavors, and the finish is dry, dry, dry. Every sip offers something different as it changes in the glass. A world-class wine that defines elegance, power and complexity. Should age effortlessly for at least a decade. ——S.H.(12/15/2010)—— 97

Heat marks this wine. It smells and tastes peppery, along with deeply extracted flavors of currants, licorice, violets and cedar. Bone dry and pretty hard in tannins, with the oak showing, it’s a bit austere and clumsy now. Needs time, and could be quite good after 2011.——S.H.(5/1/2009)—— 88

This is Vine Cliff’s highest designation Cab, and it just keeps getting better and better. It’s a very serious wine. Shows its Oakville origins in the ripe blackberry and currant flavors, extraordinary balance and elegant power, but the tannins are fairly tough at this time. It’s nothing that decanting and good beef can’t handle, but this dense, complex wine should soften and improve over the next decade.——S.H.(2/1/2007)—— 95