Deep ruby. Tangy, seductive aromas of black raspberry, toast, flowers and dark chocolate. Rich, thick, supple and harmonious; very strong extract. Very long finish features sweet tannins. This is superb for the vintage, and more stylish than it appeared from barrel a year ago.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Production: 15,000 cases Alcohol: 13.7% Blend: 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc; Harvest Dates: September 23 to October 19. Composed of 52% Tre Colline fruit, 27% from Bancroft Ranch and the balance from the St. Helena Home Vineyard and Chabot Vineyard, this vintage was characterized by high heat spikes in August that complicated things after intermittent rain had caused flowering issues in May. Fortunately, September cooled off and gave most vineyards a chance to ripen more evenly. The wine reveals ragged tannins as well as a more overt herbaceous character, medium to full body, and a more angular, austere personality that lacks the charm, fat, sweetness and unctuosity of the top vintages. The 1996 is a very good Private Reserve and on its own may show slightly better, but it is clearly the weakest link in the first eight vintages of the nineties. It is fully mature and is unlikely to get any better. In fact there is a danger of desiccation with further aging, so drink it over the next 4-5 years.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

This is an outstanding wine, ripe and intense, with firm layers of earthy currant, anise, black cherry and plummy flavors framed by tight tannins and spicy, cedary oak notes. 14,000 cases made.

Professional content appears courtesy of Vinfolio

Had at the Vacaville Norcal Finals. Very good fruit, soft. Body and color were perfect. nice drink really enjoyed it. Could last another 3 to 4 years.