Walk into any high-end steak house and this wine will be on the list. No doubt a quintessential California Cabernet from Napa Valley, I have high hopes for this one, but am concerned about its youth. Here goes.

Donkey? Earth? Not sure, but this nose is intriguing the hell out of me. Help…..
On the palate, a strong wine, and way too young. The tannins are good, but not overpowering, which allows the plummy taste to come through with some blueberry. I cannot make out any hint of imbalance, this is a well crafted wine, and the alcohol is non-intrusive. I think it’s a good wine, probably just a little too ordinary for me. For the buck, not enough bang unfortunately. I am torn between 4 stars for quality and 3 stars for its QPR. Being a rather pricy offering, I would cellar two or three bottles for at least five years, perhaps patience will be rewarded. Even though I may pass on this, I think it is worthy of 90 points.

A gorgeous nose of pure dark fruit that translates well to the palate. Strange as it may be, not many wines smell like they taste. Is this a good thing?
Purity is descriptor here, with some really delicious tannins to boot. The fruit has precision, with some plum? It’s hard to tell as the tannins, nice as they are, distract me.
Generally a decent wine that I believe has good collaring potential and will balance itself out over time. A unique Napa Cab that I want to give 4 stars to, and would guess at a 90 point rating.