This was a shock. After a dismal '04 I was half expecting the same wall of oak. Not today.Ultra dark with crimson edges. The nose was all black currant and cherry cola. The palate exposed some amazing deep plush dark fruits of blackberry, currant, ans black cherry. There was a tiny sign of oak, but the whole package carried it well. Evident was some smokey vanilla beans. Some light cocoa and coffee beans. This was long and full and never let up. Finesseful and elegant with strength and body. Wow. The finish went on beyond 60. A very pleasing cabernet indeed, with a long life ahead. Need to decant a minimum of an hour, vigorous if able. 94/100
