Even applying the usual caveats regarding barrel samples, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. looks extremely promising. The aromas are already strikingly complex, with hints of smoke, violets and cassis-scented fruit. There's an overall sense of richness and harmony in this medium to full-bodied wine, which comes across as being extremely silky, without being soft.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. features perfumed aromas of violets and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, nicely elegant while being powerful and sturdy at the same time. No, it's not made in a modern, blockbuster style, but it's true to its heritage, with subtle herb shadings and a long, silky finish.

As usual, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. is a bit richer and sturdier than the Fay Vineyard bottling, while still retaining plenty of complexity. The nose offers scents of cassis, black cherries, star anise, cocoa and pencil shavings, while the medium to full-bodied palate adds dark, loamy notes. It's medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration and some dusty, dry tannins on the mocha-tinged finish.

A barrel sample, the very deep purple-black colored 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon S.L.V. leaps from glass with baked black plums, blackberry pie and black currant cordial notes plus hints of wild sage, charcuterie, tapenade and tree bark. Full-bodied, firm and grainy, the rock solid foundation well frames the broody black fruit and it finishes earthy.