Medium dark red in color, the 1996 Seven Oaks has aromas of black cherry, blackberry, cassis and orange rind. The bouquet is complex with cedar, vanilla, leather, clove, allspice and chocolate as well as toasty oak. Showing ripe and moderate tannins supported by good acidity, the upfront fruit flavors of cherry, vanilla, blackberry jam and smoky toasted oak will develop additional complexity with bottle aging.