Deep garnet colored, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard (containing 7% Petit Verdot) offers up a gorgeous nose of fruitcake, potpourri and dried herbs over a core of crème de cassis, blueberry compote and raspberry tart. Medium to full-bodied, finely structured and with great freshness and approachability, it gives a wonderful core of muscular fruit and a long, mineral-laced finish.

The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Lotus Vineyard is the ripest and most voluptuous of these wines. Silky tannins and soft fruit convey and impression of total seamlessness. Dark red cherry, plum, crushed flowers and rose petals build in the glass as the Lotus shows off its racy personality. There is a sense of immediacy here that is impossible to miss. I imagine the 2012 will offer a long and wide window of drinking pleasure.

(15.1% alcohol; blended with 7% petit verdot): Deep ruby-red. Raspberry, anise and flowers on the perfumed nose. Sappy and penetrating in the mouth, with terrific mineral and floral cut currently restraining the wine's sweetness. But this wine boasts outstanding intensity and precision to its deep berry flavors. The very pure, palate-staining finish features noble, seamless tanning and great energy. All those who reject wines with 15+% alcohol out of hand should try this one.