2007 Vine Cliff Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

98 points and an Editors' Choice, Wine Enthusiast: "Pretty much as good as Napa Cabernet gets. Shows the blackberries, black currants, blueberries and spicy plums of Oakville and scads of spices, and the tannin-acid structure is, in a word, superb. The oak elaboration is just about perfect, adding a tasteful layer of smoky, buttered toast. The finish goes on and on. " (12/10) 92 points and two stars from the Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine: "Classic Cabernet themes of cassis and black olives run through the length of this wine while careful accents of vanilla, caramel and a hint of sweet cream add a nice boost in richness. If just a touch tough and hot at the finish, the wine hints at polish and plushness to come, and its impressions of concentration, depth and continuity ease any doubts that it will do other than grow into real beauty with age." (12/10) 92 points James Suckling: "This is a very typical outstanding Napa Cabernet with currants and mint on the nose. Very floral, full and round, with soft and silky tannins and a long finish. Very fruity now, but give it another two to three years to resolve some of the slightly austere tannins." (02/11) 91 points Wine Spectator: "A ripe, rich, supple style, with a pure core of ripe currant, blueberry and blackberry flavors, with spice and floral scents. Full-bodied and concentrated, with a finish that shows off mineral, graphite and loamy earth notes. Drink now through 2017." (11/10)