The evolved 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot reveals a mature, dark garnet color along with cool climate aromatics of spice box, herbs, violets, and red currants. It is medium-bodied, spicy, but somewhat compressed. It should be drunk over the next 2-4 years. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.

The 1995 Cabernet/Merlot is tasty. It reveals a herbaceousness and bacon fat/sausage component that is undoubtedly due to the type of wood used for aging the wine, in addition to copious quantities of chocolate and berry fruit. This spicy, woody, obvious but fun blend should be drunk over the next 4-5 years. Imported by The Australian Premium Wine Collection, John Larchet, USA Wine West, LLC, San Rafael, CA; phone: (800)-485-5753 and Chicago Brands, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 466-9300.