Elements of ripe apples and a hint of creme brulee in the nose make for a fine start here, and the wine follows with like-minded flavors that emphasize moderately deep and well-defined appley fruit. Smoothed early on by a touch of glycerin and slightly fleshy in feel, it finishes with a scant edge of youthful coarseness, and it will benefit from another year of age that should bring it a bit more refinement.

Rating for United States-California: 87 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: unpredictable<br/>