Nice, bright, appealing wine, very supple tannins. Correct, with a bit of personality. Moreish. Slightly hot finish.

This is Wente’s priciest Cabernet. It’s a smooth, velvety wine of obvious appeal, with ripely attractive black currant, mocha, spicy plum and pepper flavors wrapped into firm, fine tannins. Made in the modern style, it’s very soft. Doesn’t seem like an ager. Drink now through 2011.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 88

Wente is trying to reinvigorate itself, and this is a step in the right direction. It’s solid in varietal character, with black currant and cassis flavors and a rich full-bodiedness that’s spiced up with oak. Good now, but its firm tannins suggest mid-term ageability.——S.H.(11/1/2005)—— 88