The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, medium purple in color, it exhibits a nose of roasted black fruits, smoke, spice box, and herbs. Earthy and ripe on the palate, it is a tasty, medium-bodied Cabernet that can be enjoyed now or cellared for 2-3 years. It will drink well through 2018. Kiona Vineyards and Winery has been producing wine since 1980 (and growing grapes for considerably longer than that). It has long been a puzzle because its grapes are in great demand, but Kiona itself has had difficulty taking advantage of their superior farming. The winery interestingly has always done its best work with sweeter wines (Riesling and Chenin Blanc).www.kionawine.com

A tight, spicy cab, with a gamy streak running through peppery, sweet black-cherry fruit. Plenty of firm tannins, and some early suggestions of lead pencil and tobacco, along with anise and smoke. ——P.G.(5/1/2004)—— 88

The light to medium-bodied, low acid 1990 Washington State Cabernet exhibits excellent fruit. While delicious as well as user friendly, it is not as concentrated or long as the 1989.