Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2006 and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Sequoia Grove Napa Valley 2006 and 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, $26.34-$32.99, 92+ points, either of which is wonderfully constructed, and though here is my first tasting of these wines, hopefully it won't be my last.
Since these wines are quite similar, I'll note the differences within one review.
Let me just note that the corks were like night and day, with the 2006 dark brown and the 2008 light beige in color.
Both vintages have a dense black currant color trending pomegranate red toward the broad transparent rims.
Aromatically, the 2008 is a bit brighter, and while the 2006 has earth notes, the 2008 replaces that with tobacco notes; otherwise both Cabernet wines display a lovely glass filling spicy cherry aroma.
A smooth medium-plus body beautifully balances good acidity with moderate tannin, though the 2008 is more noticeable and persistent.
Herbal and fruit flavors are rich and numerous, with dominant black currant, pomegranate, cranberry, blackberry, and a gentle floral component highlighting these pure and harmonious wines. The 2008 adds a bit of black licorice to the flavor profile.
The + (plus) in the scoring is due to the accelerating long spice finish, which is a bit more tart in the 2008.
These are great wines, and as a gift for that tree-hugging, wine loving environmentalist, will reward the two of you.
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