This has a lot of power, poise and purpose with an incomprehensibly fresh fruit core. Smells of cedar leaves cassis and blackberries. Very impressive fresh leafy elements, as well as redcurrants, red plums and spiced earth, in an almost Tuscan mode – tar, iodine and engine oil. The palate is seamless, the tannins are cut in brick-dusty, fine layers and the finish is very smooth, velvety and chocolate-laced. This is so resolved, perfectly balanced and full of promise. Drink now through the next two decades.

A compelling offering the 1999 Shiraz/Cabernet The Signature (56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Shiraz) possesses a dense purple color along with a sweet multilayered personality revealing aromas and flavors of earth blackberries cassis and vanilla. This offering spent 22 months in a combination of both new and used French and American oak. With considerable authority and power it requires 2-3 more years of bottle age and should last for 12-15 years.