There is lots and lots of lovely red and black fruit in this wine, both on the nose and palate – and that’s not all, it has plenty of friends backing it up. Tannins, spice, acidity and that’s just for starters on the palate. You’ll also find smoky, cocoa, vanilla and a light cinnamon dusting across the tongue. This is a fully realized and complex Cab; the tannins are smooth and silky yet there still seems to be a fair bit of grit. Another long liveable wine from Stratus – give it a decade or more. Release expected sometime in 2011. Price: TBD – Rating: ****½