1994 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. At the time, the longest and coolest growing season in the decade prior. Ample winter rain supported healthy vines through the vintage. An early budbreak followed by cooler weather led to an extended growing season allowing plenty of concentration in the fruit. 63% of the fruit from Oakville, 51% To Kalon. The remainder of the fruit comes from throughout Napa Valley. Fermented in stainless steel with 30 days' extended skin contact. Aged in new French oak for 19 months. A nose of flowers and spice mixed with red fruit and cedar accents. Vibrant and persistent acidity couples with fine-grained tannins and carry into a long smooth finish. The palate opens with red fruit then moves into dried blossom and spice with hints of cedar. The vintage shows more developed character for its age than its surrounding vintages. Not as chiselled and focused as others, though still pleasurable to drink now. (ECB)

(13.4% alcohol): Full, bright dark red. Sexy, musky aromas of redcurrant, mocha and coffee, plus a hint of leather. Plush and smooth on the palate, offering rather wild flavors of redcurrant, mocha, earth, leather and game. The wine's lovely breadth is leavened by firm acidity and notes of herbs and spices. Finishes with insinuating length and terrific energy.