From a difficult vintage arises a wonderfully pleasing wine. This wine stares at you with black eyes that are deep, dark and unforgiving from such tough year. Aromas of dried currant, Christmas spice, black cherry, kirsch and toasty oak vanillin leap from the glass to greet your nose. With a slight swirl of the glass the nose builds and grows in volume. The palate is plush and fleshy with a core of black fruit. The texture balances nicely with a mouthful of fine tannin and bright acidity. The finish crescendos for 30 seconds and tapers nicely for over a minute. I believe if cellared correctly, this wine will age nicely for 12 years or more.