The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Vineyard possesses gorgeous sweet cherry, cedar, spice box, and subtle oak notes, beautiful fruit, medium to full body, and more character, complexity, and nuance than the Oroppas. Like most 2004s, it will drink beautifully young but age for 12-15 years. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (87); 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Armstrong Ranch (92+); 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Progeny (95); 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Star Vineyard (92); 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Ranch (92); 2003 Oroppas Proprietary Red (91);Tel. (800) 331-8266; Fax (707) 963-1412

A first bottle was obviously off. A second was better, although still lacking the complexity you want at this price. It was a young Cab, dry and tannic, with a core of cassis and cherries. A few years in the cellar should soften it.——S.H.(12/15/2007)—— 87