Bright medium ruby. Blackberry, blueberry, licorice and menthol on the rather cool nose, lifted by a violet topnote. Moderately dense and juicy but a bit clenched and evolving very slowly. Intense black cherry, cassis, menthol and herb flavors show a medicinal cast. A bit unyielding, with tongue-dusting (oak-driven?) tannins giving the finish a dry edge. I'd still wait a couple years before pulling the cork, but it remains to be seen if this wine has the sweetness and mid-palate flesh to support its structure? One is aware of the small Syrah component on the nose but the palate is very Cabernet. (ST)