From one of the largest and most highly touted vintages in a great decade this is large and fairly fat. The cassis fruitcake and menthol nose and sweet blackberry and chocolate palate aim to please.and do just that. It feels a bit low in acidity making it lush and forward displaying a bit of heat and a looser structure. Still this pleasure package is young and the long dark finish shows even well-dispersed tannins. Another winner in a streak if maybe less of a keeper...

Firmly structured and sufficiently tannic to endure 10 years cellaring. This is a rich complex chunky young wine with glimpses of currant and cherry turning firm and tight on the finish. Best from 2003 through 2010. 5275 cases made. (JL)