Driven by Cabernet, the blend includes three more of the five red Bordeaux grapes. Each of the blending grapes contributes to the final wine; Merlot adds richness and weight, Cabernet Franc contributes aromatics, and the Malbec intensifies color and spiciness. This is an aromatic wine. When decanting (which we suggest for our young red wines) the whole room fills with aromas of Bing cherry, clove and grilled brioche. A full and rich wine on the palate, flavors of huckleberry, cassis and vanilla carry through to a persistent finish.

Solidly varietal from its deep, slightly brooding black-fruit nose to its fleshy, well-stuffed flavors of currants, cherries and black loam, this full-sized Cabernet veers to ripeness at the eleventh hour and a slight tag-end of heat peeks through at the finish. While that and a bit of closing dryness hold it back from even higher scores just now, the wine still wins easy recommendation and may well find a better sense of continuity and integration with a few years of age.

Bright ruby-red. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol and oak on the nose. Supple, sweet and pliant on entry, with flavors of currant, black cherry, bitter chocolate, licorice and menthol, as well as a light earthy element. A rather forward wine with moderate intensity and flesh. Finishes with light, somewhat drying tannins.

"Tightly wound, with a rich array of currant, black cherry, anise and cedary oak. Most impressive are the rich flavors that pour through on the finish. Best from 2006 through 2012"

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