A glorious concoction of blackcurrants, sweet, creamy, smoky oak, tobacco, and minerals jumps from the glass of this dark ruby-colored wine with only a slight lightening at the edge. Medium to full-bodied and rich, with a layered texture, this explosively fruity, expansive, full-bodied, powerful wine possesses beautifully integrated acidity and tannin. It has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should remain for another 10-12 years.The tasting notes for this section are from two single blind tastings, one conducted in May, 1996, in California, and the other in June, 1996, in Baltimore.