The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon’s dense ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of scorched earth, coffee beans, bay leaves, and black currants. The tannins are more elevated in this example, and the wine is slightly more angular and austere. While promising, it is more of a long-term prospect. These new, high-end products from the Rodney Strong Winery are made with the assistance of consultant David Ramey. This trio represents a huge leap forward qualitatively, but prices are higher also. There are 2,000-3,000 cases of these cuvees, which are all over 90% Cabernet Sauvignon with the rest Malbec and Petit Verdot.Tel. (866) 928-4941; Fax (707) 433-0939

Impresses for the sheer power of ripeness, but also and especially for the structure. The flavors of blackberries, cherries, currants, cocoa, herbs and sweetly smoked oak are beautiful and complex, yet the tannin-acid balance is near perfect. This single-vineyard wine is one of the finest Sonoma County Cabernets of the vintage. Should age effortlessly through 2014, growing purer and more elegant.——S.H.(2/1/2010)—— 96