Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 94 points

The spectacular 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Speciale is a worthy rival to the monumental 1994. It offers an opaque purple color and a knock-out nose of tobacco, jammy cassis, pain grille, and floral scents. This wine has superb extract and purity, full body, multiple layers of richness, and a ripe, seamless, palate-staining finish. Although approachable, it is not quite as accessible as the glorious 1994. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2020.

Review date: December 1998

Vinous: 91 points

Bright, deep ruby-red. Musky, gamey aromas of black raspberry, tobacco, leather, tar and cedar, plus a suggestion of citrus skin this reminded me of a topnotch traditional Rioja reserva. Fresh, intensely flavored and complex, with juicy flavors of red berries, spice, loam and tar. Dense but nicely delineated. Tannins are firm but harmonious. Finishes with a flavor of red berries. Very distinctive Sonoma cabernet.

Review date: November 1999