52% Cabernet Sauvignon; 31% Merlot; 17% Cabernet Franc. This wine's combination of grapes and its generously laid on oak gives it a rich, juicy style that is somewhat "sweeter" in cast than the archetypical Napa Cabernet, and there is plenty to like in its mix of ripe, near succulent fruit and creamy, caramelly notes. It is full and on the open, fleshy side in palatefeel, and it gets a bit of grip from underlying tannins but never turns coarse or tough. Use it now or wait a few years.

Good medium red. Aromatic nose combines cherry, cedar, loam and tobacco, along with a balsamic note. Soft and lush in the mid-palate, with subtle flavors of redcurrant, red plum, loam and tobacco. With moderate stuffing, the finish shows a slight green edge. But I liked this wine's rather Old World restraint.