Our 2006 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon captures the true essence of Rutherford. "It is like walking through a blackberry bramble in the heat of summer," explains Winemaker Jeffrey Stambor. "There is an explosion of blackberry fruit, earthiness as you kick up some dust and a hint of dried leaf character." With opulent dark berry, black cherry, cocoa, anise, forest loam and mineral notes, the wine has well-integrated oak spices that heighten alongside fruity aromas for a long, lingering finish. A very fine Cabernet, although the tannins are a bit fierce now. Beyond the astringency are plush flavors of blackberries, black currants, cola, spices and sweet, smoky cedar. Needs time. Best 2011 and beyond.