A gorgeous wine made from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, this deep ruby/purple-colored wine shows sweet notes of creme de cassis intermixed with lead pencil, chocolate, and espresso. It is a big, thick, chunky wine with plenty of flesh, lots of fruit and glycerin, and a surprisingly substantial mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. A sleeper of the vintage.

This is extremely well-crafted. Dark colored, with wonderful milk chocolate and ripe berry aromas. Full-bodied, with well-integrated tannins and plenty of refined and rich fruit. Give this time. Super quality from a weak appellation. Best after 2006. 2,250 cases made. -JS