Bright medium ruby. Aromas of cassis, licorice, violet, mocha, cola and crushed-stone minerality. Juicy, penetrating, highly concentrated wine with excxellent mineral spice supporting its cassis and black cherry flavors. This fine-grained, thick Cabernet finishes dense, broad and very long, with a youthfully medicinal character. Owner David O'Reilly told me that he's "blown away by the 2015s," which are "less tannic and more friendly" than he originally thought.

Darker and earthier, with lots of black fruits, leafy herbs and damp earth characteristics, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon 1973 Block Red Willow Vineyard is nicely concentrated, supple and textured on the palate. It too has good freshness, excellent purity and is a high quality red that will have a decade or more of longevity.

Coming from the original plantings at this esteemed vineyard, this wine brings brooding, high-toned aromas of savory herbs, exotic spice and cherry. The palate is all about sophistication and delicacy of flavor, showing nuance and detail, particularly considering the warmth of the vintage.