A sleeper of the vintage, this dense ruby/purple-hued 2005 exhibits terrific fruit intensity, soft tannins, and loads of crushed strawberry, black cherry, and subtle herb characteristics in a medium to full-bodied, lush format with no hard edges. Enjoy it over the next 8-9 years.

Blackberry, licorice and floral aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a long finish. A mouthpuckering red, but there's plenty underneath. Better than from barrel. Best after 2012. 3,000 cases made. -JS