The elegant 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (87% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc) reveals notions of lead pencil shavings intermixed with black cherries, black currants, toast, and damp earth. It is a mid-weight, flavorful red with good acidity as well as a moderately long finish. It should keep for 7-10 years. Tel. (707) 257-1770; Fax (707) 257-1538

Cherry fruit, a little confected, but pleasant. Fair fruit-acid balance, blackcurrant freshness to the fruit, soft, fine tannins.

A solid Cab, mostly from the Stags Leap District, that displays some hard tannins and a jagged mouthfeel, but is elevated by ripe black currant fruit and tasteful oak. Might soften over the next few years, but not a longterm cellar candidate.——S.H.(12/31/2008)—— 87