(a five-variety Bordeaux blend based on 82% cabernet sauvignon): Good medium ruby. Wild aromas of crushed berries, lavender and chocolate complicated by pepper and leather; suggests a rather wide range of ripeness. Considerably denser and fatter than the '09 merlot, with a youthfully medicinal character to the plum, kirsch and chocolate flavors. Finishes with an herbal edge and very good persistence. Will this retain verve as it gains in texture with time in bottle?
