Bottled six months ago, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico is allegedly made in the style of an Italian Amarone. Because of that, I expected to see more prune, raisiny, and tar-like aromas and flavors. In reality, the fruit was air-dried for seven weeks, resulting in considerable dehydration which rachets up the level of intensity as well as concentration. There is no doubting that this is a seriously built, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon on steroids. It offers a tremendous nose of new saddle leather mixed with creme de cassis, tobacco smoke, and a hint of spicy French wood. With great intensity, power, and richness in addition to surprisingly good balance, it can drunk now because of its seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol. This fascinating effort should last for 10ndash;15 years.

Inky violet color. Superripe but focused on the nose, with potent aromas of blackberry and black cherry liqueur, cured meat, smoky herbs, lavender and sexy oak. Unbelievably lush and almost sweet, with mouthfilling, liqueur-like dark berry and ripe plum flavors tinged by intriguing notes of charred herbs and anise. Finishes with excellent persistence of dark berry fruit.