The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from Rodney Strong is gorgeous. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, leather and new French oak are front and center in a racy, voluptuous, flamboyant Cabernet that will drink well with minimal cellaring.

Smoky oak and firm, grippy tannins rise to the front of the palate in this reserve-tier wine. It is 100% varietal and sourced from multiple vineyards. Thick black fruit is complemented by cedar and dried herb atop a velvety smooth texture.

Warm cassis and plum sauce flavors glide through, laced with earth, tobacco leaf and singed cedar notes. The cedar edge renders this a touch toothy on the finish, but the fruit holds sway well enough. Drink now through 2022.

Deep ruby, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve opens with touches of tar, pencil lead and scorched earth over kirsch, black currant, cured meats and dried red cherries. The full-bodied palate has earthy, baking spice-laced fruits with a chewy frame and good freshness, finishing a tad warm.