Lovely fruit here--cassis, red currant and blackberry--with supple texture. Yet there's serious grip, with mineral, cocoa and toast notes as well, all framed by firm yet well-integrated tannins. This should develop nicely. Drink now through 2006. 20,150 cases made. -JM

Tight and oaky at first, with aromas of lemon rind, maple and leather. Next up, cassis and black cherry appear in the mouth, which precedes a tight, chocolaty finish that features good length and manly tannins. Very tightly wound, and powerful.——M.S.(3/1/2004)—— 88