The brilliant 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner’s Select boasts copious aromas of lead pencil shavings, spring flowers, blueberries, black raspberries, and cassis. Full-bodied and powerful, this dense ruby/purple-tinged offering is a tour de force in Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses enough sweet tannin to provide early accessibility, but it should age beautifully for 10-15+ years. Previously recommended: 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve (93+), 2003 Merlot Vintner’s Select Mountain Top Vyd. (91). Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

Big, powerful and high in alcohol. The grapes evidently got superripe, giving the wine massive blackberry and chocolate-covered raisin flavors that have been liberally enhanced with smoky new oak. Tannins are pretty tight, coming from Pride’s 2,100-foot elevation spanning the Napa-Sonoma border. A little awkward now. Give it a few years.——S.H.(2/1/2008)—— 90