Red-ruby. Flamboyant aromas of black raspberry, Cuban tobacco, animal fur, flint, mocha and tar. Very dense and intensely flavored, with firm but harmonious acidity giving shape to the flavors. Tight but sweet on the finish, with a note of graphite. The percentage of new oak has gone down steadily since the first vintage in 1994 and is now 50%. The wine's 6% viognier component serves "to open the wine, to broaden it," says winemaker Francoise Peschon.