2007 Sequoia Grove Cambium

(14.4% alcohol): Good medium ruby; a bit brighter than the Rutherford Bench Reserve bottling. Subtler and more restrained on the nose, showing more plum and chocolate Merlot influence. Fine-grained and subtly sweet, with intense plum, cassis and chocolate flavors enlivened by an herbal edge--but this is less medicinal and more expressive than the Rutherford Bench bottling. Still a bit tart on the back end, though, with the tannins coming across as somewhat dusty.