2002 Oakville Estate Proprietary Red

(79% cabernet sauvignon, 11% cabernet franc, 6% petit verdot, 3% merlot and 1% malbec) Good medium ruby. Subtle aromas of blackberry, licorice and tarry new oak. Suave and light on its feet, with juicy flavors of blueberry, currant, violet and cedar lifted by minerality from these red soils. A bit more thoroughly ripe and less leafy than the 2002 cabernet, but not quite so fruit-driven. Very dense wine, finishing with substantial, fine tannins that come late, allowing the wine's well-delineated flavors to expand on the palate. Very sophisticated red wine.

Medium ruby. Vibrant aromas of black fruits, licorice and minerals, with enticing peppery lift. Very broad and rich but adamantly dry, with the wine's minerality contributing to its perfume in the mouth. Finishes very subtle and long, with major, broad, thoroughly ripe tannins and a somewhat Graves-like flavor of hot stones.