Opaque core with a shimmering purple rim. The highly complex nose is full of ripe red fruit vanilla oak and leather aromas along with sweet tobacco. Acidity dances across the tongue as cassis blueberry and mocha flavors make their presence known. This is smooth on the palate with a medium to full body and tannins that build to a firm posture. Enjoy with hearty fare such as roasted pork and grilled meats. Drink over the next 15-20 years.

The best wine to date that I have tasted under this label is the 2007 M by Michael Mondavi. With a production of 1000 cases of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 20-22 months in French oak before bottling it has the most opaque purple color of the group. The style seems like a Napa version of a Graves wine interwoven with one from St.Estephe. With plenty of distinct loamy soil earth and charcoal notes along with pure black currant and plum-like fruit this wine is dense full-bodied still somewhat restrained but displaying sweet velvety tannins and impressive texture and length. This is a beauty that should be cellared for 3-4 years and drunk over the next 25-30. 94+