(15.3% alcohol): Bright, deep saturated ruby to the rim. Pungent blackberry, blueberry, minerals, licorice, bitter chocolate, graphite and violet on the nose, along with a lot of sweet oak. Dense but juicy in the mouth, with a texture like liquid velvet nicely enlivened by excellent harmonious acidity. Very concentrated, vibrant flavors of blackberry, pepper and exotic oak. Tastes almost sweet and finishes with oak-driven but suave, even tannins. Offers a major mouthful of fruit, but I'd still give this glossy wine some time to integrate its components.

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Patience, patience, and more patience is mandated by the 2008. A blend of 99% Cabernet Sauvignon, .5% Malbec and .5% Petit Verdot reveals an opaque blue/purple color in addition to abundant graphite, vanillin, blueberry and blackberry aromas. Built for the long haul, it is a concentrated, dense, promising Cabernet along the lines of the great wines made at Merus since its founding by Mark Herold (who is now pursuing other projects). Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 25-30 years.

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Bold, rich and smoky, a big, expressive wine that's elegant and graceful, with mixed dark fruits, roasted herb, black licorice and mineral. Ends with a long, layered finish that highlights the berry and mineral.

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