2007 Sbragia Family Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso

From Howell Mountain, the dense purple-colored 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (an 1,800 foot elevation vineyard) is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Sweet blackberry, black cherry, plum, anise and crushed rock aromas jump from the glass of this opaque purple-colored wine. Broad and full-bodied on the palate with hints of white chocolate and subtle oak/toast, it reveals terrific fruit, texture and opulence. Drink it over the next 20-25 years. Bigger than life veteran winemaker, musician and general bon vivant, Ed Sbragia continues to turn out a bevy of realistically priced wines that offer great value. To add to the excitement, every one of his 2007 Cabernet Sauvignons performed better out of bottle than it did from barrel - always a sign of top winemaking and reassuring integrity. However, Sbragia, who may have the Midas touch with red varietals (particularly his beloved Zinfandel as well as Cabernet Sauvignon) also knows a thing or two about Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 2008 is an average quality year for most Zinfandel producers, but Sbragia has transcended the vintage’s challenges. Sbragia is producing five separate Cabernet Sauvignons, and the in-the-bottle notes that follow demonstrate that each of them performed better from the bottle than it did last year from barrel. P.S. I tasted through all the Sbragia 2008 single vineyard Cabernets, including the Wall, Cimarossa, Rancho del Oso, Monte Rosso and the Dry Creek Andolsen vineyard. They all appear to be potentially 90-93 point wines. While they are not as impressive as the 2007s, if they improve as much from barrel to bottle as the 2007s, look for the 2008s to compete with that vintage. Tel. (866) 222-4342

Saturated deep ruby. Aromatic nose combines plum, cassis, dark chocolate, licorice and herbs. Deep dark fruit flavors are complicated by graphite, licorice and dried herbs, plus a hint of minerality. This shows firm acidity for Howell Mountain, along with sound ripeness and expressive aromatic character. Finishes suave and seamless, with a continuing mineral element. Much more satisfying than the 2006.