John C. Sullenger Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

93 that leans into 94 and will see another point or two with 10 years in bottle.

Sofia and I used to go to their futures luncheon for many years. This vineyard consistently yields fruit that makes one of their best Cabernet’s.

It’s lush as it enters and falls onto dry, meaty tannins. Blackberries, creamy black raspberries, black plum with skin, dark cherries & purple fruits. Dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, limestone & volcanic minerals, moist clay, dry tobacco, new, raw leather, still very woody, mixed mid & dark berry cola, plenty of baking spices-clove, nutmeg, cinnamon & vanilla, dark spices with some heat, some dry herbs, dark melted, chocolate, cocoa powder, caramel notes, bright, fresh & candied florals that are dark, red, blue and framed in violets & lavender, ver nice round acidity with a highly structured, tensioned, well balanced and polished finish that lasts 90 seconds but still lands squarely on wood.

Dark ruby hue. Aromas and flavors of blackberry, blueberry, cassis, licorice, and tar. Medium-plus body, with plus tannins and plus acidity. Wonderful bouquet. Lovely finish. Lovely wine.

Rich, deep and full of the fruit we love. Love it. Winner