(with 6% petit verdot; two-thirds from foothill vineyards in Calistoga, the rest from Oakville Bench): Dark ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of blackberry and mint. Densely packed and sweet--almost liqueur-like--with just enough Oakville fleshiness to give texture to the dark berry and mineral flavors. Rather painfully shy today, but the strong tannins are quite fine. Finishes with enticing dusty spices and plenty of spine for aging.
