Tastes way too oaky at the moment, with a flood of vanilla, sweet charred wood and smoky butter flavors swamping the underlying fruit, which consists of blackberries and cassis. May be going through a phase of immaturity. Could well re-emerge after 2010, but its future is hard to predict, as it’s made in a soft, Napa way, and these wines have yet to prove their longevity.——S.H.(12/31/2009)—— 91

The problem I have with Cosentino's wines is that they are so blatantly woody. One could accuse this winery of attempting to make a Spanish Rioja wine out of Napa Cabernet, but for whatever reason, the oak aromas and flavors that come through in these wines are aggressive rather than savory and subtle. In this wine, the oak obliterates the fruit, giving the wine a one-dimensional, woody personality. Otherwise, I have no complaints, as the fruit is ripe, the wine is bottled without fining or filtration, and it possesses good glycerin and punch. However, I do not think the oak will dissipate with aging, or at least not enough of it.Tel. (707) 944-1220; Fax (707) 944-1254

The dark ruby-colored 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon offers a spicy, earthy, cassis-scented nose of light to moderate intensity, full body, excellent richness and purity, adequate acidity, a judicious touch of smoky oak, and a plump, fleshy, soft finish. Drink it over the next 5-8 years. Cosentino is to be commended for making better use of the oak in the winery's newest releases. Tel. (707) 944-1220