From Magnum. Always a great opportunity to try this wine. As it turned out, my pour was the second last pour from the Magnum so quite well aerated. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is lovely with cassis, slight graphite, cedar, spice and slight earthy/tobacco. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Nice energy and balance. On the palate, this is drinking well. It is not a big, monster wine (even in the best vintages). Rather, a Bordeaux styled wine made in Napa. Flavors of cassis, black cherries with some earthiness and char. Long finish. This may still improve but it does seem close to peak. It is great on its own but would be better with food. It would be great with a roasted meat dish but also Roasted Root Vegetables with a drizzle of Balsamic. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.
