Good deep ruby. Vibrant, floral aromas of blueberry, cassis, black cherry and cedar. Sweet, quite dense and aromatic in the mouth, with a superripe note of chocolate. Very primary and in need of bottle aging. Thoroughly ripe and impressively long on the aftertaste. These two reserve bottlings are superb for the vintage, but will require patience.

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The virtually perfect 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (330 cases) is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple-colored, with a profound bouquet of minerals, flowers, black fruits, and spice, this awesomely concentrated, multi-layered wine represents the essence of Cabernet Sauvignon. Amazingly, it is neither ponderous nor heavy handed, with the oak, acidity, and tannin woven into the wine's formidable, concentrated personality. The finish lasts for nearly a minute. Sadly, it is extremely limited in availability, but what a compelling wine it is! This is a spectacular wine that must be tasted to be believed.

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Mature and underwhelming, showing a firm, complex mix of earthy currant, mineral, pebble and cedar, with stern, rigid tannins that put a lid on the flavors. Ends with pencil lead and shavings.--1996 California Cabernet retrospective.

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