Spottswoode Family Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

The medium-bodied 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon displays some of the attractive gravelly notes often found in this wine, along with black currant fruit, lavender, subtle oak, sweet tannin for the vintage, and a well-balanced, pure finish. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2016,

Elegantly framed, with rich, appealing herb, currant, chocolate and black cherry flavor that's complex and concentrated, finishing with firm, well-integrated tannins. Best from 2002 through 2010.

Ripe, smooth and polished, with an elegant array of plum, black cherry, currant, herb and olive notes, with a rich aftertaste that lingers on and on. Delicious. Drink now through 2008.

An outstanding effort. Ripe, with supple, polished tannins and a wonderful core of mouthfilling currant, black cherry, berry and spice flavors. Lushly textured to the long finish, where it tightens up. Approachable now, but better if cellared. Try from 2001 through 2007.

Ripe and spicy with intriguing gaminess, the '95 Spottswoode has a juicy texture and fine acidity. However, the tannins are very firm and dominate from mid-palate on. Hold this wine for at least two years - preferably more - to let it mellow, then enjoy with a robust meal of sautéed duck breasts with mushroom timbales.

The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon is among their finest. It is a model of symmetry and grace deftly married with super concentrated blueberry, blackberry, and cassis flavors infused with subtle new wood. This medium to full-bodied, seamless, youthful beauty will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for two decades. This is one of California's most elegant as well as intensely flavorful Cabernet Sauvignons.

Decidedly herbal, with moderately ripe currant, earth, sage and wild berry flavors, too. Drink now through 2005.