($290; a blend of 52% cabernet sauvignon, 28% merlot, 12% petit verdot and 8% cabernet franc) Saturated, deep ruby-red. Brighter and tighter on the nose than the Tychson Hill, offering aromas of black raspberry and licorice. Then wonderfully sweet and lush in the mouth, with harmonious acidity framing and intensifying the flavors of cassis, violet, licorice and minerals. Seems to grow in density toward the back, finishing with a building chocolatey character and very suave, sweet tannins.

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There are 550-cases of the perfect 2007 Cariad (original rating was 99), a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. One of northern California's watershed vintages for Bordeaux varietals, according to Allison Tauziet, this wine revealed great potential from the day the first grapes were crushed. It possesses a dense purple color, massive fruit, soft but high tannin, and a structural profile somewhat similar to the 2002. There appears to be more underlying minerality in the 2007, but the sweetness of the tannin, the enormous concentration of fruit (blackberry, blueberry, cherry) intermixed with graphite, chocolate, coffee and crushed rock characteristics is striking. This is a compelling, even prodigious wine that hits all the palateâÂ?Â?s sweet spots, possesses phenomenal upside potential, and is a modern day legend in the making. Approachable now because of its flawlessness and seamless characteristics, it should drink well for three decades or more.

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Dense, chewy and extracted, rich and layered, with tightly wound blackberry, melted black licorice, new leather, shoe polish and herbal notes that are expansive and gain traction on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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an amazing wine deep dark ruby red, decanted for 3 hours prior to drinking, initially very tannic after another hour the tannins smoothed out and were absolutely delicious, huge nose of blackberries, chocolate and cassis, the finish lasts almost a full minute of beautiful sweet tannins. A gorgeous wine built to last for another 20 to 25 years.