A major sleeper of the vintage, this blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is another “best ever” performance. Notes of tobacco leaf, hot rocks, sweet kirsch and black currants are impressively displayed in this medium to full-bodied, velvety textured, very seductive style of wine. Drink it over the next decade.

Plummy red, good crushed berry fruit, fragrant and floral, good flesh and good grip. Drink 2013-18. (16 points)

89-91 Barrel sample. Solidly packed tannins, very firm and structured, a feeling of considerable extract as well as a high toast content.——R.V.(8/9/2010)—— 90