12% Merlot; 4% Cabernet Franc; 2% Malbec; 2% Petit Verdot. Nicely assembled red and black cherry fruit aromas are joined by suggestions of vanilla beans and rich loam, and while this wine has some of the same attractive elements as the bottlings above, it is less complete overall and seemingly less keen in its focus. Its pieces are in good proportion, and a grabby edge of tannin will go away with a bit of bottle age.

Rating for United States-California: 95 (slightly better than average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: too young, let it sit<br/>

Crystals on cork

boardoux blend