Saturated ruby-red. Dusty aromas of black cherry, currant, licorice and menthol. Sweet, lush and velvety; fat and full. A generous, fruit-driven, impressively long wine with enticing currant and black plum flavors. Very ripe tannins coat the palate. Will the '97 eventually top this wine?

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The 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select is one of the vintage's super-stars. Its opaque purple color is accompanied by super aromatics, immense body, great fruit extraction, superb purity and overall symmetry, as well as a 40+ second finish. Revealing exceptional intensity (but no heaviness) as well as perfectly integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this fabulous Cabernet will drink wonderfully for three decades.

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Starts out smooth, showing rich, earthy currant, hazelnut and nutmeg scents, with a hint of mocha and dense, chewy tannins. Still very youthful, firm and extracted. The first two bottles were corked.--1996 California Cabernet retrospective.

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