Winemaker Joel Aiken has sourced from two stellar vineyards here: Morisoli Vineyard in Rutherford and Judy Jordan's Sage Ridge Vineyard high in the eastern hills of Howell Mountain. Crunchy, high-toned cassis and red currant lift an earthy undertone of dusty dark chocolate and black olive, finding plenty of length and full-bodied grace.

Waves of red and black currant preserves unfold slowly here, supported by well-embedded tar, licorice root and singed mesquite notes. Shows serious heft, but cut and fresh acidity line the finish. A late iron detail checks in, keeping this grounded. Best from 2022 through 2032. 450 cases made.

Damp earth, leafy herbs, leather, and black cherry notes emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a Bordeaux-like vibe, medium body, good acidity, and a clean finish. It has plenty of charm as well as purity, and I suspect it will keep for a decade.

The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Small Lot sports a deep garnet-purple color and notes of baked black cherries, prunes and underbrush plus wafts of unsmoked cigars and dusty soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a good amount of baked black berries flavors with a chewy backbone and rustic finish.