(aged for 16 months in used 225-liter French oak barrels): Deep ruby. Smoke-accented cassis, cherry and cured tobacco aromas, with complicating hints of rose pastille and bitter chocolate. Gently sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering juicy dark berry and licorice flavors and a spicy jolt of cracked pepper. Shows very good focus and energy and finishes with dusty tannins and an echo of smokiness. 91 Points