This was opened as we watch the Presidential Debate. Inky purple in color with a thin ruby rim, opaque and bright. The nose is great with cassis, slight blueberry, coffee, baking spice, just a hint of forest floor and vanilla. Full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, this is deep and complex if still on the youngish side of peak. Flavors of cassis, blueberries, spice, char and slight forest floor. Long finish. At age 9, this is ageing slowly but well. It is not a monster (on a Napa scale) and has some sensibility. At the same time, it is also delicious. It is great on its own and worked well with assorted cheeses and hummus. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years. It was certainly easier to finish the bottle than to finish watching the debate on television. :-)