Deep ruby-red. Highly nuanced nose combines bitter cherry, mulberry, cassis, tar, black licorice, violet, leather and mint. Supple and intensely flavored, with nicely restrained sweetness. Slightly sauvage suggestions of leather, violet and creosote reminded me of claret. Finishes with good length and slightly tougher tannins than those of the '96. This should go in the direction of underbrush as it matures.

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One of the most impressive recent Cabernet Sauvignons from Forman is their 1996. I was amazed how well it was showing despite having been bottled only a month earlier. The saturated ruby/purple color is followed by gorgeous jammy black currant fruit aromas, along with spicy oak and licorice. There is good acidity, but the wine appears to possess more viscosity than most Rick Forman offerings, as well as a chewy fleshiness, enough acidity for delineation, and moderate tannin in the convincingly long finish. This classic Bordeaux-styled wine should be at its finest between 2001-2020.

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An earthy, tarry, herbal streak runs through this otherwise firm, elegant and cedary wine, with mineral, spice, currant and plum notes. Earthy tannins on the long, complex finish. 1,800 cases made.

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