Dark, saturated violet. Huge, expansive bouquet of tarry blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry, kirsch, espresso, smoked meat and exotic spices. Amazingly concentrated dark fruit flavors expand and almost overwhelm the palate, showing remarkable intensity and power. The creme de cassis and candied licorice tones fill out and gain even more weight through the finish. There are substantial tannins here but they appear to melt into the powerful flavors. A superb wine with a velvety texture and compelling richness and sweetness. (JR)