Aromas of smoke, burnt toast, cream, cedar, coffee and blackberry. Full bodied and rich with elegant acidity and well-balanced alcohol. Grainy but pleasant tannins and a long finish with some minerality. Enjoyable and restrained forward, juicy style. Drink 2012. Alc: 14.5%. (16.67 points)

The tannins on this Cabernet, which contains 5% Merlot, are tough and gritty. The blackberry, currant and smoky oak flavors are just fine. The question with such an awkward texture in youth is if the wine will resolve with age. In this case, probably not, so drink up.——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 88