2006 Del Dotto Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Mountain

Saturated ruby. Knockout nose offers crushed cassis, violet, tar, bitter chocolate and crushed rocks, plus a hint of char-broiled steak. Large-scaled, powerful and thick, with a saline, soil-driven character to its flavors of cassis, black plum and dark chocolate. Finishes with huge but sweet tannins supported by the wine's flesh and sweetness, and outstanding length and strength. Winemaker Gerard Zanzonico noted at this point that the young 2006s are showier early on than the 2005s; they also appear to be better.