This is the little brother of Dominus (which was the Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year), so it was nice to try. It was tasted completely blind. My guess was a California GSM blend which I found interesting. Not for being wrong, that happens a lot, but for how it tasted. Purple in color, slight ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, black licorice, black olives and spice. Medium to full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, lots of black cherry fruit, some black raspberries, black licorice and a bit of earthiness. Good balance in a new world way. Nice finish. This should/could improve with some cellaring. It is very good, but one might hope for a bit more considering the vintage and price. Drink over the next ten to twelve years. It would work well with a beef stew or cassoulet.
