Saturated dark ruby to the rim. Extremely closed nose hints at cassis, black cherry and licorice. Stubbornly backward in the mouth, and currently hiding its underlying richness. This very tight, tannic and impressively long wine may ultimately merit a higher score.

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: young, aging quickly, could be good now<br/>