We confess to being very much taken by the wonderfully rich oak that appears at every turn here, but as nice as that oak may be, it needs to be partnered with a little more fruit to make this wine complete. It is fairly full-bodied and as smooth as can be, but it slips away to dryness too soon and ends with a scant note of mildly bitter chocolate.

Color: Rich red. Aroma: Reminiscent of mulberries and complemented by vanilla and clove scents imparted by aging in French oak. Taste: Intense fruit providing lusciousness and roundness.

Rating: 4/5 - As reviewed by Decanter. Juicy, upfront cassis. Good flavour and length, rounded, has complexity. Drink 2007-13.

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

DC Smith & Wollensky