Bright, dark ruby-red; not quite as dark as the Old Vine Malbec. More complex but reticent on the nose, offering aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet, dark chocolate and herbs. Plush, fine-grained and surprisingly dry and classic; juicier and less thick and sweet than the Old Vine Malbec. This broad, laid-back blend displays an obvious Cabernet Sauvignon herbacity that gives it another dimension. Finishes with firm tannins and sneaky persistence. This rather clenched wine finishes a bit youthfully tough and will require at least a couple more years of cellaring, at which point it may well merit an even higher rating.
September 2019