Aromas of blackcurrant, hazelnut and chocolate, with hints of mint and sage that follow through to a medium to full body, with wonderful soft and fine tannins that give a velvety texture and persistent finish. So balanced and refined. Subtle. Didn’t include wine from vineyards in Atlas Peak this year. An excellent 2020. Drinkable, but will improve so well in the cellar.

This classic-style, elegant wine is well structured for further aging and so expressive of the Napa Cabernet tradition. Aromas of blackberries, black olives and bay leaves lead to black cherries, dark chocolate and tobacco flavors that are deep and persistent without being heavy. Drink from 2028–2038. — Jim Gordon

Civic Ruby colour with loads of savoury cedar spices, cinnamon and tobacco brown baking spices and red-toned fruits. Supple on entry with plump red berry fruit, tangy blood orange acidity under a bed of tobacco leaves, fragrant wild herbs, milk chocolate shavings and a kiss of anise. There is telltale crushed stone minerality, and the wine finishes long and lean with plenty of energy and drive. The tannins are burly with good grip. And the wine is generally light on its feet.

The 2020 Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 76.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10.3% Cabernet Franc, 6.7% Merlot, 5.6% Malbec, and 1.2% Petit Verdot. There is a bit more Cabernet Franc this year than usual and less Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sashays out with gregarious scents of redcurrant jelly, fresh black raspberries, and crushed blackcurrants followed by hints of lavender, cinnamon stick, and dusty soil. The medium-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with soft tannins and lively red and black fruit layers, finishing earthy. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Solidly built for the vintage, with a core of blackberry and black currant preserves that flex brambly energy and grip, along with licorice root, chaparral and apple wood notes filling in on the finish. Drink now through 2030. - JM