2007 Flora Springs Trilogy

Bright ruby-red. Complex nose melds cassis, blackberry, bitter chocolate, cedar, menthol and licorice, with tobacco, loam and leathery nuances emerging with air. Sweet, pliant and expressive, with a bit more stuffing to buffer its firm acidity than the basic Napa Valley cabernet. Finishes nicely broad, with a fine dusting of sweet tannins and subtle leather and game notes. Based on this wine and the 2006 Trilogy, as well as the winery's other very successful '07 cabernets, the 2007 vintage marks a breakthrough to higher quality here.

The 2007 Trilogy might be called a Napa version of St.-Emilion blended with a Margaux. A harmonious blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, it offers undeniable elegance as well as lovely black currant and black cherry notes intermixed with hints of cocoa, roasted herbs, cedar, and licorice. This textured, lush, medium to full-bodied, beautifully constructed 2007 can be drunk now or cellared for 15-20 years. One of the most impressive portfolios from Flora Springs that I have tasted has emerged from their extensive vineyard holdings. Flora Springs’ single vineyard offerings are all 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with somewhat limited availability production ranges from 370-400 cases of each. Tel. (707) 963-5711; Fax (707) 963-7518