The Rutherford designation is important to note as it denotes a significant step up from the less successful effort below. If never a wine of great beauty or depth, it is solidly fruited and shows the distinctive currant and loam mix inherent to Cabernet. It is medium-full-bodied and slightly supple in feel, and, if it dries out enough at the end to fall short of one-star endorsement, it is still a well-made wine that will comfortably wash down steaks and chops over the next few years.

Rating for United States-California: 92 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>