Score: |
95 NM. "A deep garnet core with deep brick rim. The nose is broody at first, pure, with baked black cherries, dark chocolate, cedar, graphite, a touch of singed leather, a note of hung game developing with time. Good definition, the Cabernet Franc seeming to make an impression on the bouquet that has more minerality than recent vintages. The palate is medium-bodied, very good weight and excellent balance. Fine tannins, velvety in texture with touches of dark chocolate coming through again (almost something lactic towards the finish.) Very harmonious, still overtly backward with a broodiness that it is reluctant to shake off. The Merlot component lends a sense of corpulence right on the finish that belies the firm structure underneath. Excellent, but needs some serious bottle age." Neal Martin, Wine Journal, Jan 2009 |