The Santa Barbara highlands vineyard is at a very high altitude and very hot. After 15 months in 50% new French oak, the wine has tamed quite a bit and exhibits the elegance that great Cabernet should. It is dark red and smells of ripe red fruit including raspberry, strawberry jam, and cranberry sauce. There are also some floral notes and the oak adds vanilla and spice including cinnamon and cloves.

On the palate, I taste the same red fruits from the nose, as well as nut bread, milk chocolate, star anise, chocolate crème brûlée, cranberry, a hint of graphite, cigar box, and minerality. The finish is toasty, rich, and spicy.

96 cases produced

Other Current Wines

• 2006 South Mesa Syrah 'Elevage Reserve'
• 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Elevage Reserve'
• 2006 Bien Nacido Vineyard Chardonnay
• 2006 Cargasacchi Jalama Pinot Noir
• 2006 Le Bon Climat Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 2006 Calmant Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
• 2006 SB Highlands South Mesa Syrah
• 2006 SB Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon