This bottle was sent just as outside temps were dipping to under 0F. When the bottle was delivered, the cork had raised about half way up popping thru the foil and a drop or two of wine was in the wrapping. If this had been a wine that I was planning on cellaring for longer term, that may have been an issue, but given that I was planning on drinking right away and writing up a tasting note, this proved to be a chance to give a young Bordeaux some badly need air. The bottle was opened that evening and tasted over two days. This is a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc from the Left Bank in Bordeaux. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose has cassis, black cherries, slight graphite, milk chocolate, spice (cloves?) and slight char. Nice texture. Medium to full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate (with all that air), this drinks well. While young, it shows some depth and complexity. Good finish. My best guess is that a sound bottle would take two or three years to get to this place but either way, this should drink well for eight to twelve years. It is nice on its own and probably better with food. Hearty meat dishes such as Pot Roast of Shepard's Pie. A very nice value for a wine of this quality to drink soon or in ten years.
