2007 Promise Cabernet Sauvignon

A staggeringly rich, profound Cabernet Sauvignon has emerged from this producer, simply called Promise. About the only information on the back label is that someone named Steve McPherson has a lot to do with the final product, and congratulations certainly go to him. An absolutely spectacular 2007, this wine has an inky purple color to the rim. Gorgeously pure creme de cassis and black cherry fruit interwoven with hints of lead pencil shavings, burning embers, and spice is followed by a full-bodied, opulent, but at the same time, structured wine. It seems capable of lasting 20-30 or more years. This looks to me like a classic from Napa Valley, and although it is certainly approachable already (as most Napa Cabernets from top years tend to be), there is a long, long life ahead of it. This wine is just – pardon the pun – oh, so promising. Tel. (707) 942-0859; fax (707) 237-2328; www.promisewine.com