This is a gorgeous wine, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It’s light and delicate, but powerful, and boasts delicious cherry pie, cassis, cocoa, char and spice flavors. It possesses the kind of tannins that are soft and sweet now, but firm enough to hold the wine for many years. Best now, or anytime through 2015.——S.H.(12/15/2006)—— 96

Stronger, deeper, richer, more impressive in every way than Iron Horse’s ’02 Cab, this Bordeaux blend is beautiful, powerful and delicious. Benchmark is the singular wine of this mountainous property, and the ’02 is a worthy successor to past vintages. The wine, rich in fruit yet softly voluptuous, showcases the ability of this west wall of the Mayacamas to provide the only serious alternative in California to Napa Valley Cabernet. ——S.H.(11/15/2005)—— 94

It’s clear that winemaker Forrest Tancer is aiming at a California-class Cabernet blend, a complex wine, lush in fruit and herbs, softly tannic and framed in the finest oak. He largely succeeds with this bottling, made only in the best vintages. It lacks the structure of Napa Cabernet, which is unavoidable given its terroir. But it defines Alexander Valley. ——S.H.(7/1/2002)—— 92

Full and plush, with complex aromas of cassis, cinnamon, earth, cedar, coffee and cream. Low in acidity, it is large in depth of fruit and flavor, with black currants, earth and coffee reigning on the palate and into the finish. A sensuous texture and long finish with soft tannins complete the pleasure package. Very approachable; drink now through 2008.——W.E.(11/1/2000)—— 94