($45) Good ruby-red. Reticent nose hints at violet and bitter cherry. Dense, backward and a bit closed in on itself today, with a restrained sweetness to the dark berry, dark chocolate and menthol flavors. Less expressive and floral today than the young 2007, with the finish showing a broad dusting of tannins. Forman told me that with this 2006 he's doing more frequent, and computer-controlled, pumpovers, and making more use of four-ton stainless steel fermenters. The result, he believes, is wines with more but mellower tannins-wines with a broader mouth feel. This vintage included fruit from Forman's new Angwin source, which he says adds an exotic cabernet element.

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One of the top wines of the vintage, the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet, fragrant nose of acacia flowers, charcoal, black currant liqueur, licorice, and forest floor. Atypically opulent with sweet velvety tannins (especially for a 2006), it reveals impressive purity and texture as well as a full-bodied, rich finish. This knock-out wine can be drunk now or cellared for 20+ years.

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Firm, intense and concentrated, marked by a tight core of earthy currant, cedar, mineral, stone, graphite and tobacco. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins. Complex and in need of cellaring.

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A solid and enjoyable cabernet. Opened up very quickly and was enjoyed by all!!