WA95: The 2012 Booth Bella Oaks Vineyard possesses a deep purple color in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of licorice, camphor, incense and lots of red and black fruits. A lush, succulent fruit bomb at present, its tannins are barely noticeable given the wine’s extravagant richness. Both of these 2012s will drink exceptionally well young and last for two decades or more.

VM95: Interestingly, the 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Booth-Bella Oaks Vineyard comes across as a bit restrained for the year, with gorgeous balance of ripeness and freshness. The tannins are firm, but also very nicely integrated throughout. There is a lot to like here, that much is obvious. Dollops of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot from David Abreu's Thorevilos vineyard fill out the blend, a practice the Staglins will continue until their own replanted parcels in Booth-Bella Oaks start bearing high-quality grapes.