80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 14% Merlot; 3% Cabernet Franc; 2% Petit Verdot; 1% Malbec. Pahlmeyer's wines can always be counted on for depth and drama, and this dazzling effort succeeds handsomely. Making fine use of rich oak spice, it is charged by wholly compelling fruit from front to back and, if very ripe, stays true to type throughout. Weight on the palate, it finds plenty of structure from its well-integrated tannins, and, if it is sufficiently fruity to be enjoyable now, it strikes us as a wine...

Full ruby. Roasted currant, black cherry and bitter chocolate on the slightly medicinal nose. Penetrating fruit flavors of roasted plum and currant, complicated by notes of leather and bitter chocolate. Comes across as a bit more vibrant than the merlot despite possessing an even high pH. Then finishes firm and bright, with major tannins and late notes of currant, leather, mocha and tobacco.