Oaky at first, but then it settles into a very nice Cabernet-led wine. The palate is tight, drawing and firm, with flavors of cassis, olive and cured meats. It’s complex, leathery and dry, and the oak regenerates on the finish. Savory, interesting and not some clunky, overdone fruit bomb. Drink now through 2012. ——M.S.(7/1/2010)—— 89

The Grand Reserve blend, which is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and lesser parts Carmenere and Petit Verdot, is clearly Simone’s best wine. With the ’06 vintage, plum and cassis aromas pick up purity with airing, and the palate shows nice raspberry, cassis and plum flavors. A focused wine that makes its mark.——M.S.(9/1/2008)—— 88

Quite smooth and polished. It’s a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Carmenere and Petit Verdot adding something of value. The wine is snappy, healthy and well balanced. The flavors don’t veer far from the comfortable middle of the road; there’s a tilt toward red berries and plums, with some cassis to sweeten the load.——M.S.(11/15/2007)—— 89