(15.5% alcohol; raised in two-thirds new French barriques, the rest in 2- to 3-year-old American barrels): Bright purple. Intensely perfumed aromas of cassis, blueberry, vanilla and potpourri. Dense, sappy and spicy, with impressive energy to the flavors of dark berry liqueur, violet pastille, licorice and mocha. Deep and supple in texture, finishing with broad, velvety tannins and smoky persistence.