Buehler has produced some big, backstrapping, muscular, bombastic Cabernet Sauvignons that age well, so I was surprised that this understated 1985 was elegant and medium-bodied. Offering attractive ripe cassis fruit, it is a good, solidly made, correct, albeit unexciting Cabernet Sauvignon. It remains youthful and exuberant, and should drink well for another 7-8 years.

LAST TASTED 10/93 Still young, this exuberant, robust, rustic Cabernet reveals a youthful purple color, a big, spicy, cassis, leathery, and earth-scented nose, and full-bodied, muscular flavors boasting considerable tannin. It is a forceful, rich wine that will last for another decade.

Last Tasted 1/92 Still opaque black/purple-colored, with a vividly rich, spicy, earthy, animal, cassis-scented nose and long, opulent, highly extracted flavors, this big, full-throttled wine needs at least another 4-5 years to resolve its considerable tannic clout. Anticipated maturity: 1997-2010.

Last Tasted 3/92 Amazingly young and backward, the 1978 Buehler exhibits an opaque, garnet/purple color that is followed by a huge nose of licorice, oriental spices, leather, and ground beef. In the mouth, there is stunning concentration, high, astringent tannins, and a massive, amazingly youthful finish. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2005.