The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Ribbon Vale Vineyard (60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc) reveals a deep ruby color along with a Bordeaux-like fragrance of herbs, loamy soil, red and black currants, cranberries, and spice box. This attractive, fresh, light but well-balanced red will drink well for 4-5 years. Importer: Ted Schrauth, Old Vines Australia, imported by Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA, tel. (831) 689-9080; Bluewater Wines, Warwick, RI, tel. (401) 739-7744; Commonwealth Wines, Mansfield, MA, tel. (508) 261-9300; and Domaine Select, New York, NY, tel. (212) 279-0799

This 60-30-10 blend of Cab Sauv, Merlot and Cab Franc has fleshy plum, oak and cinnamon aromas. Flavors are much the same, but there’s a hardness—a slight metallic quality, even—to the palate. Imported by Epic Wines. ——D.T.(5/1/2005)—— 85