Red-berry spice, cranberry and plum. Touch of cassis and brown toast. Clean and textured. Cool, toasty concentration.

Pretty straightforward Cabernet, done well and blended with bits of Petit Verdot and Merlot. Vanilla, tobacco and cassis aromas mark the nose, while the flavors are similar, but with a slightly plummy edge. Soft and supple on the finish, there’s no need to cellar this wine.——W.E.(8/1/2008)—— 88