The 2005 Corliss Red is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot 9% Malbec 8% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot aged in 73% new French oak for 33 months. The fruit was sourced from some of the finest sites of the Columbia Valley. Purple in color with an inviting perfume of pain grille pencil lead violets spice box black cherry and blackberry on the palate it is full-bodied with outstanding volume and concentration. Savory black fruits and spice emerge from this smooth-textured offering leading to a lengthy pure finish. It has the structure to evolve for at least 3-4 years and will deliver a drinking window extending from 2014 to 2025.

Though it is five years old and just being released, this thick, tannic and rich Bordeaux blend still requires decanting, cellaring, and/or extensive breathing time. A full day after first being tasted, it came together for me; the initial, aggressively herbal character is equally matched to ripe black cherry fruit and massive tannins. The nose suggests sweet cherry, but the palate leans more to the herbal side, with flavors of earth, stem and leaf, and there is a green tea residual flavor that infuses the finish. A wine to cellar and to savor with a fine steak.

This velvety red offers a juicy mouthful of blackberry, floral, leafy and spicy flavors, lingering easily on the vibrant finish. Stylish and refined. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2015. – HS