($250; a blend of 54% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 10% petit verdot and 8% cabernet franc) Saturated, dense ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice and sexy oak. Round, fleshy and sweet; begins almost monolithic but the wine's superb stuffing shows a bit more definition and chewiness as it opens in the glass. Really saturates the entire palate. This has the richness to support its huge but thoroughly ripe tannins. Very nicely balanced for a wine of this sheer size.

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I was tempted to give the 2004 a perfect score as it jumped out in this tasting as one of the truly great Cariads. A 600-case blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc, it boasts extraordinarily complex aromas of chocolate, espresso roast, Asian spice, sweet meat, blackberries and cassis along with super intensity, a full-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel and a long finish with no hard edges. This is clearly a high fashion, flawlessly made wine that, while approachable now, is capable of lasting another 15+ years. My initial rating was also 99 points.

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A big, rich, flavorful style, with tiers of plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit, accented by anise, sage and dusty oak flavors. Yet for all its size, this is impeccably balanced, with a long, deep, persistent finish that keeps the focus on the fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 673 cases made.

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