5% Merlot; 5% Cabernet Franc. Although launched by its nicely composed aromas of very rich oak and deep, precisely focused black currant fruit, this tight, slightly stiffly balanced Cabernet runs up against acid-pushed tannins at the eleventh hour, and never quite fulfills its early promise. Set it aside for a few years to let it find a softer stance.

Rating for United States-California: 78 (bad year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: quite possibly over the hill<br/>