The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Vineyard, from the famed Rutherford dust area of Napa, offers wonderfully sweet black cherry and cassis notes along with hints of vanilla, incense, spice box, and smoke. Boasting gorgeous purity, medium to full body, moderate tannin, and a heady, long finish, it is already approachable, but promises to evolve for up to 15 or more years. Tel. (800) 331-8266; Fax (707) 963-1412

The wine, with a classic Cab profile, is young and needs time to pull it all together. Shows beautifully ripe blue and blackberries and stone fruits, wrapped in dusty tannins and lots of new oak. Really fine, polished and high-end. Should begin to harmonize by 2008, and hold through 2020. ——S.H.(12/15/2006)—— 93