The austere, sweet cherry-flavored, Bordeaux-like 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon is priced fairly. The wine is undernourished, medium-bodied, and pleasant, with clean fruit, but little intensity. While this easy to like, accessible effort lacks complexity, it is a faithful representation of its varietal character, and is meant to offer plenty of up-front fruit as well as pleasure. The wine was produced from 100% estate fruit from the Kunde family vineyards in Sonoma Valley. There has been considerable replanting of some of Kunde's major vineyards.Tel. (707) 833-5501; Fax (707) 833-2204

Softly fruity, with pleasant aromas of blackberries spiced up with a touch of smoky oak. In the mouth, the tannins are fine and melted, the acidity a bit low, creating an easy-drinking wine with plenty of upfront berry flavors. ——S.H.(11/15/2001)—— 87