Pronounced and impressive nose of mint, cassis, smoked ham, spice and menthol. This has backbone and grip, with close-knit tannins, intense, sweet fruit, high acidity and superb length. Benchmark Cabernet.

Sebastiani knows how to make good Cabernet. It’s wired into their hard drive, and with this lovely ’07, they’ve again succeeded. The wine is dry, elegant and drinkable now with upscale fare. It shows the herbal quality of Alexander Valley Cabs, with a sage note to the blackberries, cherries and sweet tobacco.——S.H.(3/1/2011)—— 90