Deep garnet in color with heady cherry liqueur, cassis, blackberries, clove and sage on the nose. The mid-palate opens up to wild berries, minerals, chocolate orange, tobacco and hints of black olive that continue to the finish of impressively deep, luscious tannins that coat the palate and linger there for an impressively long time.

Coming from the cooler Coombsville appellation and all varietal, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Gale shines for its elegance and is a charming, silky, medium-bodied effort offering savory herbs, dried tobacco, leather, and both cassis and black raspberry-like fruits. Brought up in 36% new barrels, with the balance in once used French oak, it’s a solid, satisfying, impeccably made Cabernet to drink over the coming 10-15 years.— Jeb Dunnuck 90pts