93pts James Suckling

A concentrated and rich nose with aromas of blood plums, mocha, prunes and baking spices. The plate is full-bodied with firm tannins and long, lingering notes of blackberry compote, roasted meat, graphite and citrus rind. Made from a blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 7% merlot. It needs time in bottle for the tannins to soften. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

Winemaker Notes

Bright with a dark purple/black core lightening to ruby/purple at the rim, with slowly forming, moderately stained tears on the glass. Complex and attractively aromatic, showing very ripe cherry and black currant fruit followed by savory notes of cedar, pipe tobacco, vanilla bean, baking spice, and warm oak. Full-bodied on the palate with ripe notes of crème de cassis and black cherry jam, with hints of red berry fruit on entry and vanilla, licorice, and baking spice leading into the mid-palate, which shows complex savory notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and leather. The lengthy and continually changing finish progresses from ripe black cherry fruit flavors accented by baking spice and oak notes to ripe chewy tannins and balancing acidity that adds depth and freshness.

Blend: 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot