The 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon saw 31% new oak. The nose offers up toast, pencil lead, black currant, and black cherry. On the palate it is medium-bodied, ripe, and savory. Well balanced and medium-long, it may evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2016. Waterbrook, one of the pioneer wineries in Walla Walla, was purchased in 2006 by Precept Brands which is nearing completion of a large, new winery just outside of the city limits. It is clear that production will be ramped up significantly so the test will be whether quality at the level of the above wines can be maintained. Tel. (206) 267-5294; www.preceptbrands.com

Very dark dark and tight, this is an almost-complete Bordeaux blend (includes everything but the Petit Verdot) but it is dominated by the 87% Cabernet Sauvignon. Clean black fruit aromas open slowly into broad strokes of cassis, tar and earth. Decanting is essential.——P.G.(8/1/2009)—— 89