2010 Vineyard 7 & 8 Cabernet Sauvignon 7

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 7 offers up freshly cut flowers, mint, licorice, spices and violet. The 7 is more laid back than the Estate, with less underlying structure but more near-term appeal. Graphite, violets, dark cherries and menthol are some of the many notes that flesh out in a Cabernet Sauvignon that is relatively approachable for the year. Hints of smoke, licorice and incense flow through to the detailed, nuanced finish. This is a great showing.

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 7 offers up freshly cut flowers, mint, licorice, spices and violet. The 7 is more laid back than the Estate, with less underlying structure but more near-term appeal. Graphite, violets, dark cherries and menthol are some of the many notes that flesh out in a Cabernet Sauvignon that is relatively approachable for the year. Hints of smoke, licorice and incense flow through to the detailed, nuanced finish. This is a great showing. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028. This is another solid set of new releases from Vineyard 7&8. Under the direction of oenologist Luc Morlet and proprietor Wes Steffens the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon Estate has begun to emerge as a wine of true distinction and personality. As good as the wines are today, my sense is that there is considerable upside still to be realized. Tel. (707) 963-9425, info@vineyard7and8.com

Dark ruby-red. Cassis, bitter chocolate, wild herbs and a piney nuance on the nose. Supple, ripe and classically dry, with nicely delineated flavors of blackberry syrup, licorice and pepper. Tougher on the finish than the flagship wine, with dusty tannins currently cutting off the wine's fruit. I'm not yet convinced that this is better than the 2009 bottling.