(a blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, and 5% cabernet franc; 12.6% alcohol): Medium red with an amber rim. Woodsy notes of spicecake and forest floor complicate redcurrant, tobacco, mocha, and smoke on the nose. Nicely concentrated and vibrant, with a cool, crisp quality to the clean flavors of red fruits, spices, and minerals. Builds nicely on the back end, finishing with smooth tannins and above-average length.

Spicy, slightly exotic aromas of redcurrant, cherry, cedar, minerals, smoke and flowers. Firm and shapely but currently rather closed in the mouth; not especially high in acidity but comes across as a bit angular today, with the firm cabernet tannins showing a slightly dry edge. I'd give this four or five years of cellaring.

Fresh, clean but light nose. Some hints of blue still. Rather simple. Clean and fresh and good ripe core of fruit in the middle but distinctly unevolved. Sandy tannins on the finish.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Harvested 22 September to 4 October. Garnet with a light brick rim. Red-fruit notes but the oak still seems to be lingering. There’s a touch of vanilla aromatically, some sweetness on the palate and slightly dry finish. Better maturity though, and freshness as always. (JL)