Medium to deep ruby, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve opens with broody notions of tar and chargrill over cassis, black cherries, dried herbs and oak spices. The palate is full-bodied, firm and chewy with oak-laced fruits and a chalky finish. The Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has more appeal this year than this reserve.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is medium garnet-purple in color and opens with classic cassis and warm plums scents with hints of violets, menthol and mocha plus a waft of cedar chest. The palate is medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins and refreshing acid supporting the youthful black fruits, finishing on a lingering perfumed note. 765 cases produced.

Deep garnet colored, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve has notes of crème de cassis, dried mulberries and plum preserves with hints of eucalyptus, dark chocolate and cedar chest. The medium-bodied palate offers great poise and expression, with plenty of menthol laced black fruit preserve flavors nicely framed by ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing long.

As for the reds, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Alexander Valley showcases what many old-timers like myself know – Alexander Valley can turn out some great Cabernets, and this wine is certainly one of them. Dense purple to the rim with beautiful earthy, graphite, blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, wonderfully sweet, integrated tannins, and terrific focus and length, this is a stunner and a major sleeper in this great vintage for Bordeaux varietals in Northern California. This should drink well for 25 or more years.

Also from Alexander Valley, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals more chocolate and barbecue smoke intertwined with blackcurrants. There is also slightly more structure and wood/oak characteristics than in the regular 2012 Cabernet. I did not like it any better, but it is meant for longer-term cellaring. Forget it for 1-2 years and drink it over the following 12-15 years.