Full saturated ruby. Knockout superripe nose of black plum, black raspberry, tobacco, minerals, brown spices and hot stones; distinct notes of torrefaction. Very dense and deep, with powerful backbone and great length on the palate. Like a great claret, the wine flavors go far beyond mere fruit. This is remarkably ripe for a California cab-based wine from this vintage, but has the spine for long development in bottle.

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From The Purple Notebook ? California Dinner at Gidleigh Park.Looks much more evolved. Still deep. Fun, sweet, some dry oak too. Lots of alcohol. Very flattering to taste but I'm a bit worried by the oak.

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The 1995 Proprietary Red Wine is almost as perfect as the 1994. It has gotten even better in the bottle, and remains one of the most remarkable young Cabernet Sauvignons I have tasted. The wine, a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot, was aged in 100% new oak, which adds subtle pain grille/toasty scents. This opaque purple-colored Cabernet offers up a nose of smoke, coffee beans, black and blue fruits, minerals, and roasted herbs. It is extremely full-bodied, with spectacular purity, exquisite equilibrium, and a seamless personality with everything in total harmony. The finish lasts for more than 40 seconds. This extravagantly rich, profoundly complex 1995 will give its 1994 sibling a run for its money.

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Very jammy aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Full body, very ripe tannins. Round and opulent. Big and juicy. A big change in style from earlier vintages. Full-blown Californian.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio