2006 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Monitor Ledge Vineyard

The 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Monitor Ledge Vineyard Estate is definitely a gamble. It reveals harsh tannin along with a dense ruby/purple color, and pure cassis, blackberry fruit, and licorice on the attack, then the tannins kick in, giving the wine an astringent finish. I have higher hopes for Duckhorn's 2007s than the bevy of 2006s I tasted. While they are good, most had issues with hard, aggressive tannins as well as high acid levels that give the wines clipped personalities. In short, if a wine tastes too tannic, it is too tannic, and that may be the problem with Duckhorn's 2006s. Readers should note that any wine that received a score with a question mark will undoubtedly dry out and become hollow before it ever blossoms. Tel. (888) 354-8885; Fax (707) 963-7595