Subtle aromas of dark cherry, toasted mahogany and roasted nut are very balanced on the nose of this bottling. The palate offers incense and potpourri flavors against a fresh red-fruit element. On the spicy, peppery finish, the leathery tannins continue their grip.

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is the wine to focus on in this range in 2018. Dark and brooding, the 2018 is such a classic Santa Cruz Mountains Cabernet. It offers up copious black fruit, dried herbs, chocolate, lavender and underbrush, all in a super-classic, mid-weight style that is hugely appealing. This might very well be the best value in artisan, high-end California Cabernet.

It's very unusual for us to release this so early," Jeffrey Patterson explains. "We are releasing it sooner than usual because it's a great value for wine lists, sort of our mid-appellation wine." This vintage, the blend is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec. Medium to deep ruby, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon has a very minerally nose of crushed stone, dusty earth, warm red cherries, woodsmoke and savory/herbal hints with notions of charcuterie, warm blackberries, cherries and bitter chocolate. Medium-bodied, it offers great intensity in the mouth with finely grained, ripe tannins and great freshness, finishing long and layered. 2,699 cases produced.

Juicy and compact, with a core of dark currant and bramble backed by warm earth, tobacco and licorice root. Shows a singed mesquite frame around the finish, which has mouthwatering acidity buried within. Best from 2023 through 2033. 3,266 cases made.