1999 Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard

Healthy ruby-red. Some sexy subtle high tones to the aromas of dark raspberry, blackberry, minerals, violet, dark chocolate and licorice (this sample was less liqueur-like than the more evolved first bottle I opened). Suave and rich on entry, then a bit aggressive in the middle palate, with its dark berry flavors conveying a slightly inky quality. The serious but sweet and fine-grained tannins arrive early but do not get in the way of the wine's strong fruit. Not the last word in complexity but delivers lovely texture and breadth. (13.9% alcohol)