Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet in color with a hint of purple, the 2007 Proprietary Red Wine absolutely sings of violets, chocolate-covered cherries, mulberries, star anise and cinnamon stick with a core of cassis, spiced blueberries and warm red plums plus a touch of unsmoked cigars. Full-bodied and jam-packed with opulent black fruit, the palate has a rock-solid frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and perfumed. (LPB)

(08/2018)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Full ruby-red. Slightly syrupy dark fruit aromas complicated by truffle and earth, with an element of minerality providing lift. Then surprisingly ripe and lively in the mouth, with very intense, rich black fruit, licorice and mint flavors. Offers a lovely combination of sweetness and lift and a real impression of small-berry concentration. (ST)

(05/2010)

Wine Spectator

A big, muscular wine still on the way up, with a dense core of blackberry, currant, licorice, cedar and sage flavors. Though the tannins and oak stand out, the fruit holds its own. Ends with a burst of fruit and chewy tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec.--Blind 1997/2007 California Cabernet retrospective (January 2017). Drink now through 2026. (JL, Web Only-2017)