Lifted nose, intense, fresh blackberry, not too oaky. Elegant, tight and linear. Good complexity and finish, with fresh acidity.

Smoky, earthy and ripe, with a hint of berry syrup to the bouquet. The feel is big but it maintains agility, and while the flavor profile shows herbal qualities, the raspberry and black cherry flavors are solid. Toasty and dark on the finish, with a lasting flavor of black licorice.——M.S.(12/1/2009)—— 88