My original score for the 2001 Cariad was 98 points, and there are 250 cases of this 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot blend. It boasts a dense purple color as well as a wonderful multidimensional personality with a huge perfume of charcoal, black truffles, chocolate, blackberries, blueberries and subtle oak. Full-bodied with a voluptuous texture in addition to a structured, intense style, it appears to be still holding much of its character in reserve. There is fabulous upside potential, but the 2001 is a firmer, more concentrated, potentially longer lived wine than the first two vintages. Cellar it for another 5-6 years and drink it over the following 20-25 years.

Graceful and harmonious, this rich, ripe, polished youngster pushes ripeness to the max, exhibiting layers of red currant, black cherry and spicy floral notes. It also shows some heat and finishes with firm, ripe tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2006 through 2013. 440 cases made. -JL