The most underrated and overlooked Cabernet in recent years is Franciscan, but the '85 stands to do well with yet-unyielding, intense cherry flavor and slight wood tones at the finish. Martin with light cherry tones will be agreeable early, whereas Frog's Leap lacks fruit and depth, and Cain, a big wine of substance with an earthy taste, may require a decade's aging. Silky smoothness marked Inglenook with flavors not yet developed but plenty of fruit underneath, coupled with tannin for future development.
Lean, concentrated, possessed of a fine future and somewhat big in an excellent harmonious style is Groth, whereas Monticello, also showing future promise, presented a cherry nose and flavor in a rich, forward, big-textured style. Nearly as good is St. Clement with a slightly lighter structure, good cherry flavors and ample tannin for cellaring. Girard seems to lack the depth and good massive fruit of the others.
