A super dark inky purple core with opaque intensity. Pretty perfume of dark blackberry and black cassis fruit lifts from the glass. Then mocha and coffee fresh earth and pulverized rock round out the nose of this cabernet. The palate is simply delicious with an entry of black fruits very nice structure and a fleshy mid-palate leading to a long luscious finish. Tannins are well integrated and ripe.

This curious blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Sangiovese, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec reveals an inky/purple color along with beautiful aromas of black currants, licorice, new saddle leather and spice box. Beefy, chewy, full-bodied and mouth-staining, it lacks some finesse and elegance, but it compensates for that with an exuberant, quasi-rustic, powerful style. It is a serious albeit less polished example of Cabernet Sauvignon that should drink well for 6-8 years. - Robert Parker