Saturated medium ruby. Aromas of black fruits, violet, meat and mint. Suave, pliant and smooth, with hints of sexy oak and meaty reduction to go along with the licorice, cardamom and medicinal black fruits. Still a bit youthfully tough on the aftertaste, but not hard. This needs two or three years of patience.

Firm, meaty and substantial; this is sharply defined, tart and racy; the fruit is polished and aromatic. There is a clear, clean through-line to the wine, with a citric edge and a hint of iodine; it’s persistent and clean, but at first just a bit simple in the finish. On the second day it firms up and fleshes out nicely. ——P.G.(12/31/2006)—— 90