5% Cabernet Sauvignon; 4% Petit Verdot; 2% Cabernet Franc. Taking ripeness as its central theme, this sweet, caramel-tinged wine makes good use of creamy oak while delivering a fair bit of direct cherry-like fruit. Richer to start than it is at the finish, it is fairly plush and mouthfilling, yet it tends to dryness at the end and shows just a hint of closing heat. Albeit wholly likeable in a direct and fairly tasty style, it is the least compelling wine of the current Duckhorn bunch.

Bright medium ruby. Captivating, wild aromas of cassis, currant, leather, meat and sandalwood. Juicy and intensely flavored, with a seamless texture and lovely sweetness. Still a bit youthfully unevolved but vibrant and light on its feet. Finishes with firm, ripe tannins and compelling sweet fruit. A merlot with sex appeal and real soil character.