It is undeniable – the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon blows away its siblings. The winery’s flagship offering, it spends 22 months in French oak, of which 50% is new, and includes a small percentage of Merlot (5-6%) in the blend. A terrific Margaret River Cabernet, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a big bouquet of creme de cassis intermixed with licorice, vanilla, and spice box. Medium to full-bodied, layered, but subtle, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and keep for over a decade. Importer: Ted Schrauth, Old Vines Australia, imported by Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA, tel. (831) 689-9080; Bluewater Wines, Warwick, RI, tel. (401) 739-7744; Commonwealth Wines, Mansfield, MA, tel. (508) 261-9300; and Domaine Select, New York, NY, tel. (212) 279-0799

Deep black fruit notes on the nose go a little raisiny with air, but there are enough pleasant tree/earth aromas to distract you. On the palate, hickory smoke flavors mesh nicely with sweet fruit; tannins are soft and plush. Finishes medium-long, with juicy berry and cherry flavors.——D.T.(12/31/2004)—— 90