This is an interesting wine. Much more about being refined and still expressing Santa Cruz Mountains than being boisterous. Of course, some of that may also be the vintage. Deep garnet in color with some purple hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is deep with cassis, black cherries, spice and graphite/char. Medium to full bodied. On the palate, this has a bit of a bell pepper/herbal streak to go along with nice cassis fruit. Some underlying char. Medium tannins. This has the feel that it needs more time to develop and come together. It drank better on day 2. Hold for another five to seven years and drink for ten to fifteen after that. It will work better with food but drinks nicely on its own. Beef Stroganoff would be a nice match.
