(16.2% alcohol) Opaque ruby. Glass-staining purple. Extremely ripe, verging on porty, showing pungent aromas of dark berry compote, singed plum, black tea and smoky herbs. Weighty, palate-coating cassis and bitter cherry flavors are impressively deep and penetrating, with supple tannins adding grip. A distinctly velvety wine with strong finishing thrust and a lingering note of ripe dark fruits. Impressive for sure, but the heat of the vintage is showing here.