8% Merlot; 1% Cabernet Franc. Sweet oak abounds at every stop here, yet it is matched in degree by a nice measure of ripe, berry-and-cassis fruitiness throughout. Smooth on entry, then increasingly tough as its full complement of tannin comes into play, the wine fights with alum-like dryness at the finish and will need at least five to ten years of age and a fair measure of your patience before it rounds into shape.

RP 97 - tried at amber with winemaker. drink 2010-2016. beautiful cab. Also tried again with James Suckling Jan 2011. Fruit forward, rich, chocolate/coffee, very enjoyable. However felt second time that finish was not very long so may not last for many more years