SLO has always struggled with this variety, but Wildwood seems to be getting the knack for Cabernet. Tastes like the grapes were grown in a warm area and yields were carefully limited: the flavors of blackberries plums and mocha are rich. The challenge is to improve structure, and particularly tannins, in a wine of this price.——S.H.(10/1/2007)—— 86

Coming from such a cool climate, this Cab isn’t as opulent or ripe as, say, Napa. There’s a wintergreen mint note alongside the sweet red cherry and black raspberry flavors, and a lightly elegant weight. It’s a different kind of Cab, but a dry, good one, and very friendly with food. ——S.H.(11/1/2006)—— 87