($110) Bright medium ruby. Bold aromas of blueberry liqueur, black raspberry, menthol, minerals and black olive. Offers concentrated, sweet dark fruit flavors but not quite the lush texture of the 2004. Dominant flavor of raspberry. The lingering finish shows substantial, slightly tough but nicely ripe tannins. This has filled out nicely since I sampled it from barrel a year ago. Incidentally, just prior to my visit Philippe Melka was hired as consulting winemaker here.

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The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is ruggedly constructed, tannic, and big, but without the charm and near-term appeal of the more flamboyant, extroverted, silky-textured 2002. It will need 3-4 years of bottle age and is capable of lasting 15 or more years.

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Firm, intense and vibrant, with tight, structured red currant, anise, black cherry and mineral notes. Hints of herb, cedar and sage fold in on the finish, keeping a tight, persistent focus. Finishes with tannins that are wrapped in fruit and mineral notes. 800 cases made.

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Drinking really well right now. The fruit is at its peak. Dried herb, dried cherry, pepper and leather. Very Bordeaux like in its flavor profile. Quite enjoyable now with little upside for the cellar. 2 - 3 years max.