6% Merlot; 3% Cabernet Franc. Although it is not the deepest of the Silverado trio, this balanced, moderately fruity Cabernet is much more careful with its tannins and shows a nice mix of cherries, currants and vanillin oak while still fitting in with the firm family style. It is never dramatic but does convey a certain quiet varietal confidence, and it promises to develop nicely for five or six years.

Ruby-red. Oaky aromas of black cherry and baking spices. Sweet, pliant flavors of redcurrant and baking spices, with a chocolate mint character emerging as the wine opened in the glass. Finishes with slightly rough, broad tannins and lingering spice character.

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>

cruise wine tasting Feb 2010<br/>probably wrong vintage