Bright red-ruby. Vibrant nose offers currant, menthol, mocha, chocolate and a whiff of eucalyptus. Juicy, spicy and high-pitched, with excellent energy and lift to the flavors of cassis, mint and spices. A rather uncompromising cabernet with a restrained sweetness and excellent grip. Finishes with substantial dusty but fine tannins and excellent lift. I would not be surprised if this earned a score in the low 90s with five or six years of cellaring.

This classic Cabernet offers alluring aromas of green pepper, mocha, mint and smoke. Flavors of tobacco, smoke, and ripe plum are savory and rich, with a lovely fine tannic structure and complex spice character. Lingering spice is another plus.——S.K.(6/1/2009)—— 90