Dark as midnight and very tannic and dry, this 100% Cabernet is somewhat forbidding in its turbulent youth. It’s very astringent and chewy, and the palate has to work to bite through to the core of blackberries, black cherries and cassis. Has all the hallmarks of a wine that will benefit from extended aging. Give it at least until 2012 and try again. ——S.H.(3/1/2010)—— 92