While this is the 38th year of this bottling, it represents a sort of reboot as their vineyard sources have changed. In addition, they brought in winemaker Mike Smith as a consultant. Of course, the proof is in the pudding, er, wine. This is a blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot and 5% Malbec. Purple in color, opaque and bright. Pop and pour, this took about an hour to start to open and really got going at the two hour mark. The nose has cassis, blueberries, plums, black cherries, spice, and a slight minty (Eucalyptus?) note. Full bodied. Firm tannins. Nice acidity. On the palate, this is tight and needs time (duh!). Flavors of Cassis, plums and slight blueberries with some spice and char. It unwinds nicely in the glass. Long finish. This drinks nicely (with some air) on its own. It will work with big foods such as prime rib now and become more food diverse as it ages. Ideally, hold for another five years in a good cellar or give it a long decant. Drink over the next twenty years. It will improve.
