Inviting elements of black cherries and raspberries are overlain in the nose by a rich veneer of cocoa, caramel and sweet toast, and, while the wine similarly does not stint on creamy oak in its flavors, optimally ripened fruit is what drives this well-focused working from beginning to end. Full in weight, fleshy and nicely extracted, it has the tannic underpinnings of a wine meant for age. Leave it alone for at least three or four years and expect it to deepen for a decade or more.

Deep ruby-red. Cassis, licorice, tobacco leaf and mocha on the nose. Lush, silky and pliant, with noteworthy depth to the flavors of currant, chocolate and tobacco; nicely round thanks to harmonious, ripe acidity. Finishes with broad, fine tannins and lingering sweetness. Very cabernet in style. This has turned out well.

Community Tasting Notes (average 92.1 pts. and median of 93 pts. in 13 notes)

Rating: (90-93) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 157 on Feb-05