Bright dark red. Complex aromas of cherry, tobacco, milk chocolate and licorice, plus a suggestion of iron-oxide minerality. Very suave and filled in but not at all heavy, with the lively red fruit and floral flavors given further lift by a minty nuance. Finishes broad and a bit youthfully medicinal, with fine-grained tannins and lovely length. This is excellent, but I'd give it another year or two before pulling the cork. (ST)

This wine opens with pleasing cocoa, dark raspberry and graphite aromas. The palate offers medium-bodied, tart fruit flavors cinched with tannin. A big, bold interpretation of Merlot. (SS)