5% Cabernet Franc. Very much the preferred of the pair of new Miner Cabernets, the Stagecoach Vineyard bottling is a deep, well-defined wine with a fine sense of fruity substance. It is long on currants with adjuncts of vanilla, dried flowers and chocolate, and it shows a bit of palatal polish that belies its relative youth. It is not one for drinking straightaway, however, and its nominal finishing tannins clearly invite five to seven years of continuing growth and improvement.

Deep red-ruby. Currant, mocha, dark chocolate and licorice on the nose, along with fresh herbs, maple syrup and vanillin oak. Spicy and firm, with slightly medicinal flavors of cassis, licorice and herbs. The tannins turn a bit dry on the back.

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>