The 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Wild Boar Vineyard exhibits tons of sweet oak, dense, plum, cassis, and spice box scents, considerable body, weight, and muscle, and a rustic style (a Cabernet for hard-core bikers?). Don't expect pure harmony, but boy, is this wine loaded! Drink it over the next 12-15 years. This big, substantial 100% Cabernet Sauvignon cuvee may lack European-styled finesse, but it is All-American in its blatant oak, luxurious richness, and lavish fruit.Tel. (707) 963-5711; fax (707) 963-7518

This vineyard is in the Pope Valley section, a warm, eastern part of Napa. The wine is delicious and impeccably made, but a little heavy, with notes of raisins, especially in the aroma, and a finish dominated by sweet dark chocolate. The oak overlay is elaborate, if a trifle obvious. Seems expensive for the quality. ——S.H.(11/15/2002)—— 87