($110; 96% cabernet sauvignon and 4% merlot) Saturated ruby. Medicinal aromas of blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol; from the nose I would have picked this as coming from the northern Medoc. Offers very good life in the mouth and boasts more richness, sweetness and pliancy than usual for this bottling. Finishes with substantial tongue- and toothdusting tannins that do not come off as hard. Particularly ripe for this blend, and highly successful as a result. The very small crop ultimately yielded just 425 cases, vs. a typical 800 to 1,000. (The '05 had just been fined and was unavailable for tasting.)

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The 2004 J. Daniel Cuvee (a 600-case lot made from both the estate vineyard on Howell Mountain and the Vine Hill Vineyard in Yountville) exhibits an inky/purple color along with a beautiful bouquet of graphite, blueberries, black raspberries, licorice, and cassis. Possessing superb fruit and ripeness as well as abundant tannin, richness, full-bodied opulence, and an admirable finish, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should drink well for two decades.

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Dense and chewy, with an earthy mineral edge to the dried currant, sage and dusty berry flavors. Tight and compact, with firm tannins, this picks up a nice anise and cedar character on the finish. Tannic. Needs decanting. 400 cases made.

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6 x 12 cases in paper