Seemingly the biggest of this big lot of wines, the Wertele Vineyard bottling is blessed with ripe red cherry aromas enhanced by background notes of mint and creamy oak. Its tannins are rather formidable, and its high ripeness plays into the notion of size without quite enough stuffing to allow it to keep up with its mates. It will need at least four to six years in the cellar.

Deep ruby. Musky aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, resin and smoke. At once silky and brisk, with sound acidity framing the violet, cherry skin and bitter chocolate flavors. In a very grown-up style, with no easy sweetness. Finishes with a youthful acid edge and very good energy. This needs time.

Community Tasting Notes (average 88.7 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 19 notes)

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

Rich, chewy, sexy cab. Love it on its own.

Costco - $33.99