Classic curranty fruit combines with a bit of briary spice, hints of olives and wisps of smoke in the deeply constituted aromas and again in the well-focused flavors of this solidly structured, gutsy young wine. Its tannins are a bit abrasive just now but are never outsized or in any way threaten the wine's expression of fruit. It does not tempt premature drinking as do a couple of its mates, but it will age famously and is guaranteed to reward a wait of a half-dozen years or so.

Bright ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of dark cherry and nutty oak. Silky but firm, with bright flavors of currant and dark cherry nicely framed by harmonious acidity. Finishes with firm tannins and good length.

Rating for United States-California: 92 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>