Medium to deep garnet colored, the 2013 Asterisk comes bursting forth with crème de cassis, wild blueberries and black cherries scents with touches of dark chocolate mints, lilacs, black tea and espresso plus wafts of cardamom and cumin. Full-bodied, rich, boldly fruited and oh-so-decadent, it fills the mouth with generous black fruit layers, finishing with a minty lift.

The 2013 Asterisk is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. Graphite, lavender, cloves, menthol and black cherries are beautifully sketched throughout. This is an unusually dark Asterisk, partly the reflection of the personality of the year and partly the emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon. Virile and powerful in style, the 2013 is almost too serious for a second wine. It is every bit that good. In 2013, there is no Cabernet Franc in the blend.