Seven heavy hitters from Spring Mountain

[Bucko]

2002 Cain Five, Red Wine, Napa Valley, California, $100, 4,938 cases. Cassis, smoke, vanilla, and chocolate intermingle on the nose and spread out on the palate. Full and rich on the palate, but with some noticeable heat; 86/84.

2002 Fantesca Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, California, $65. This is a very polarizing wine based on reviews. I like it. Aromas and flavors speak of black cherries, vanilla, cigar leaf and cedar. The hefty tannins may be off-putting to some, but they are well rounded and should age out given enough time; 88/87.

2001 Schweiger Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, California, $48, 3,189 cases. This is a very polished wine, with firm, ripe tannins and lovely balance. You’ll find layered aromas and flavors of blackberries, plums, aged cigars and barrel notes, with a lengthy black fruit finish; 91/91.

2003 Sherwin Family Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Spring Mountain District, California, $85. Aromas of spicy oak, plums, currants, cedar, and violets arise from this inky wine. Very rich and intense on the palate, with silky tannins that firm up on the finish. Give this one time in the cellar to integrate; 90/88.

2002 Spring Mountain Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Spring Mountain District, California, $50, 3,100 cases. Almost black in the glass, the wine gives off aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, berries, and sweet oak. The wine is full bodied, with firm but ripe tannins that should age out nicely. Berries and chocolate continue on the endless finish; 91/91.

2002 Terra Valentine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, California, $50. Ruby/purple in color, with aromas of cassis, plums, and cedary oak. The wine is elegant and rich on the entry, with fine-grained tannins and food-friendly acidity. Not overblown; 89/89.

2002 Vineyard 7 & 8, Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard 7 Estate Reserve, Spring Mountain District, California, $85. In contrast to one review that panned this wine, I find it quite tasty. The nose has delightful blackberry, chocolate, cedar, and dusty notes. It is very polished on the entry, with good balance and lively acidity. Ripe fruit and sweet oak flavors are full and lengthy; 90/88.