($285; 14% alcohol) Good deep purple-tinged ruby. Deeper, fresher aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant and minerals than the riper '07 shows. Still primary and brooding on the palate, with a refined, lively texture and a floral character that carries through to the aftertaste. The red and black fruit flavors are complicated by hints of forest floor and by more apparent minerality than the '07. Quite silky in texture thanks to noble tannins. Finishes long and pure thanks to firm but well-integrated acidity. This is less soft and more austere than the excellent '07, but each will have its admirers. This 2006 will also prove longer-lived.

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Displays loads of mint, eucalyptus, currant and meat on the nose. Full-bodied, with masses of fruit, yet reserved and structured. Mouthpuckering now from all the tannins, but this will give incredible pleasure in years to come. Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc.

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