Scarecrow's 2023 M. Étain is a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% each Malbec and Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, drawn from the same 25-acre Rutherford vineyard as its big brother. The small proportions of blending varieties give it a more floral nose than the straight-Cabernet Scarecrow, with those elements joining bay leaves and ripe cherries on the nose. In the mouth, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, creamy and supple up front, then more tannic and velvety-textured on the lingering, dark chocolate-tinged finish.

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon M. Étain is fabulous. Inky red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, pomegranate, menthol, licorice and espresso infuse the 2023 with tons of complexity and textural depth. A wine of class and poise, M. Étain has so much to offer. Lifted floral and spice notes extend the long, chocolatey finish. It's a gorgeous wine in every way. (AG)