This wine is soft and subdued, inviting in its full-bodied embrace of vanilla. With all five red Bordeaux varieties involved, it makes an impact, showcasing rich red berry, cassis and cherry, while a dusting of clove spice finds length on the finish. (VB)

The "little brother" is all grown up with plenty of mass and direct claret-like character, and it is a more-than-able partner to its sibling above. It too has an admirable aging curve, although in this wine's case, its fruit is a tad more forward and its tannins are a touch less imposing. Its mix of red cherries, dried currants, root beer and toasty oak lifts the wine towards the upper reaches of Cabernet achievement, and we would expect it to reach the first stages of maturity in four to seven years. *One Star*