Ripe and flashy offering tiers of cassis chocolate and charry new oak flavors wrapped in sweet smooth tannins. Has an acidic bite midpalate that balances the lushness and will add to the wine's cellar-worthiness. Defines sheer power but never loses control. Best now and through 2017 at least.

The 2003 has been in bottle for over a year and continues to be a beautiful wine dense ruby/purple in color with wonderful purity of creme de cassis. It is that black currant liqueur purity richness and depth that is one of the shining characteristics of this wine. Extraordinarily pure the wine is full-bodied opulent and concentrated but still young and primary. There is plenty of tannin underlying the wealth of fruit and if anything the wine seems to have firmed up since I had it last year. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020+. The 2003 is a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc.