The 2006 Menzies The Cigar Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from a single vineyard in Coonawarra. It spent 21 months in mostly seasoned French and American oak. A saturated purple color, it offers up aromas of cedar, sage, rosemary, mint, and blackberry. Narrow and compact on the palate, nevertheless it has some savory fruit and enough structure to drink well for several years. Yalumba has devoted considerable effort to bringing out the best in Viognier.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 359-0993

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is the baby brother of Yalumba''s famous The Menzies. It displays classic Coonawarra Cab hallmarks, with a strong cassis spine, decorated with notes of dried flowers, coffee, spice, and a distinct, minty streak shining through. It''s firm and dense, but well balanced, with a long, fresh finish. £12.99

Deep, bright ruby. Sexy, penetrating aromas of red- and blackcurrant, tobacco, cedar, herbs and licorice, plus a suave vanillin oak accent. The dark fruits dominate on the palate, with a sweet mocha quality coming up with air and dusty tannins adding support. Finishes on a sweet dark berry note, with echoes of smoke and sweet oak.

Slightly minty on the nose, balanced by bold cassis fruit, plenty of weight and rich tannins that give the wine an almost chewy texture. Long, firm and a touch warm on the finish; drink now–2020.——J.C.(9/1/2010)—— 91