The Underground Wine letter - December 1980/January 1981

This 100% Cabernet from dry farmed Santa Cruz Mountain grapes is a real mouthful. Nowhere near ready to drink, the wine will require at least a decade of bottle age. The color is very dark and the nose has a perfumed, fruity, slightly raisin-like character with vanilla nuances. It is fruity, rich, and concentrated with masses of fruit showing a chocolate quality and loads of tannin balance by good acidity and structure. Only 179 cases were produced and at $25 per bottle it is hardly a best buy, but this wine holds the promise of being really special in 10-15 years. 17 Very Good