Full ruby-red. Knockout nose melds musky brown spices, iron, flowers and smoked meat, along with an exotic suggestion of white fruits. Broad, ripe and classically dry, with a palate-coating texture like liquid velvet. Strong underlying minerality gives energy and definition to this compellingly rich and pliant wine. The extremely long finish shows an exhilarating building sweetness and noble tannins.

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A perfect wine, this blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec emerges from Chalk Hill (48%), Knight's Valley (21%), Alexander Mountain Estate (21%) and Bennett Valley (10%). Another prodigious effort, its extraordinary sweet notes of caramelized herbs, mocha, coffee, blackberries and cassis are followed by a multilayered, full-bodied wine revealing a seamless integration of acidity, tannin, alcohol and wood, and an opulent, voluptuous finish that goes on and on. It is thrilling to smell, taste and drink. Moreover, it possesses a similar seamlessness also found in the 2002 and 2001. Because of that, it can be drunk now for its primary attractions or cellared for another 30+ years.

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