The dense purple-colored 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain reveals abundant aromas of cassis interwoven with hints of bay leaf, licorice, and underbrush. Moderately high tannins give pause, but the sweetness of the fruit as well as the level of glycerin and concentration bode well assuming the tannins fall away at a reasonable pace. While very good, this cuvee is certainly less successful than the Jack’s Masterpiece and Exzellenz. Hall Winery appears to have turned things around in a very dramatic and positive fashion. The 2006 turn around vintage, the strength of the 2007s, and the impressive 2008 barrel samples have convinced me that this is definitely another serious player in Napa Valley. David Ramey is the winemaking consultant at Hall. There are four separate bottlings of 2006 Cabernet Sauvignons. To reiterate, I tasted the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Segassia, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Exzellenz, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Bergfeld, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Jack’s Masterpiece, and a new offering, the 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn Hall, all meriting potential ratings between 90 and 94 points. Readers should be giving Hall Winery serious attention.Tel. (707) 967-2626; Fax (707) 967-2639

While this Cab is a little rough here and there, it’s quite good, and the divots, which include some unevenly ripened fruit, are leavened with overall richness and a generosity of texture. Flatters the palate with flavors of blackberries, chocolate and sweet oak. Drink now. ——S.H.(7/1/2010)—— 89