Full medium red-ruby. Cassis, licorice, wild herbs and spices on the inviting nose. Then ripe and sweet in the mouth, with good juicy definition and lift to the cassis and spice flavors. Finishes with sweet, well-buffered tannins and lovely persistence. Always an ageworthy wine but this vintage also offers plenty of early appeal.

Thelema’s trademark mintiness is a star here, as are the rich, savory flavors of black currant, coffee and spice on the palate. Poised but giving, the wine has an ageable quality and will be delicious with roast lamb or beef. ——S.K.(6/1/2010)—— 89