Expectations and hopes. Its hard not to have them but they do affect ones enjoyment of wine. This was an excellent wine but for whatever reason, vintage, cork, etc., was not up to expectations. A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, spice and some cherries. On the palate, this is amazingly integrated and smooth. Cassis with some underlying spice. Not as deep nor complex as this wine can get in other vintages. That said, it drinks so easily, the bottle is drained quickly. It seems to be chugging along the maturation process. It won't get better but at least another ten to twelve years of top drinking. Good on its own, this would work well with a burger or ribs off the grill.
