($90; a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 14% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% malbec) Full ruby. Roasted currant, black cherry and bitter chocolate on the slightly medicinal nose. Penetrating fruit flavors of roasted plum and currant, complicated by notes of leather and bitter chocolate. Comes across as a bit more vibrant than the merlot despite possessing an even high pH. Then finishes firm and bright, with major tannins and late notes of currant, leather, mocha and tobacco.

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More primary and backward, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon needs 4-6 more years of cellaring, but is capable of lasting three decades or more. Composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a dollop of Malbec, it exhibits a dense, thick, black/purple color as well as emerging aromas of cedar, black currants, ink, graphite, charcoal and forest floor. This full-bodied, packed and stacked Cabernet offers a sexy, open-knit opulence on the attack followed by noticeable tannins. However, the latter component is clearly balanced by the wine's stunning concentration, texture and overall depth. As stated above, forget this beauty for another 4-6 years and drink it over the following 25-30+.

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Ripe and intense, with juicy, vivid blueberry and blackberry flavors that turn firm and tannic, particularly on the finish where the tarry flavors dry out. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. 2001 California Cabernet blind retrospective (June 2011). Drink now through 2015. 2,814 cases made.

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Dense, dark core with red, ever slightly browning rim. Extracted. Dark cab flavors. Bacon, almost meaty smells. Old leather. Does not appear to be near peak of maturity. 5-10 years would probably be good. Tannins still present. Interesting, savory smell. With time, cedar emerges. But too sweet to be st. Julien. Inky.