For Soutard, this is a relatively approachable style of wine, with a dark garnet/ruby color and a spicy, earthy nose of tobacco leaf intermixed with loamy soil scents, black cherries, currants, and some background oak. Medium-bodied, moderately tannic, but accessible, this wine looks to be ready to drink relatively early for a vintage of Soutard. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015. Last tasted, 1/03.