A beautifully refined red with currant, spice and cedar character. Full body, fine tannins and a long and caressing finish. Drink or hold. Aged 18 months in new French oak and one year in bottle before release. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 5% merlot and 5% petit verdot blend.

Cellar Selection. Subtle, alluring aromas of earth, cola, eucalyptus, fallen leaves, black cherry and cassis properly announce this saturated, well-balanced Cabernet Sauvignon-led blend. Dark, toasty, baked flavors of blackberry come with vanilla, herb and tobacco accents. The finish feels great while tasting integrated and complex. Drink through 2024.

The concentrated and ripe 2012 Alpha M is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with some 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% each Merlot and Petit Verdot; it matured in French barriques for 18 months, which seems to be the standard in this price range. The minty Cabernet notes are there, with some bright blue fruit, Mediterranean herbs and plenty of sweet spices from the élevage. The palate is full-bodied with soft, round tannins, velvety, balanced and easy to drink; but not really exciting, quite predictable. 48,000 bottles produced. - Luis Gutierrez