On the nose, plum, black currant, earth, a hint of heat.
The once ferocious tannins, while still present, have now smoothed out to a remarkable degree. Definitely a palate coating wine without really being syrupy. The hint of earthyness saves it from that. Flavors follow the nose, with dark plum fruit, earth, currants, dark chocolate. The wine does handle its high 14s% rather well-the alcohol is not sticking out awkwardly.
I am guessing this wine was drunk way too young, as it is pretty primary right now. Have to admit I prefer the bright cherry fruit of the Stag's Leap appellation wines like Clos Du Val...but, this is still a classic in the big, fruit forward style of Napa Cabernets. Not sure this is my number one preferred style any more (after two-to-three years, how quickly your tastes change), but I can still recognize the quality.
90 points. Pricey $$$$, though.
