Lush, rich, beguiling now. Tastes fat and unctuous, like a Pomerol despite being made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a creamy wealth of cherries, currants, chocolate, anise, herbs, spices and smoky oak. For all the flamboyance, it's bone dry, with classically solid Napa tannins, courtesy of fruit from Oakville and Howell Mountain. Should develop in the bottle through 2018.

The 2006 J. Daniel Cuvee is living up to my laudatory notes from last year. Black currant, crushed rock, licorice, asphalt, graphite, and chocolate characteristics are present in this full-bodied effort. With excellent purity, depth, and delineation, it should drink beautifully for 20+ years.

This intense red pushes ripeness to the edge of cherry and plum jam, providing plenty of flavor and complexity. Full-bodied and balanced, with a long, supple finish and fine-grained tannins. Drink now through 2016.