The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, perhaps a bit lighter bodied than you might expect. The nose presents aromas of leather, oak and cassis that will have you imagining being transported to a nineteenth century library complete with smoking room. The first sip is a rather surprising combination of earthy notes and ripe fruit, roasted hazelnuts, black cherry, dusty limestone and toasted oak that transition easily to some hints of green grass and peppery spice midpalate. The tannins are rather subdued, but still supportive of the long, smooth dry finish that lingers with oak on your palate.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, it's a lovely Cabernet, but perhaps a bit too heavy on the oak for some tastes (though I find it delightful when sitting by the fireplace). This wine would pair well with a range of winter dishes, from hearty beef stew to baked lasagna, braised short ribs to Yankee pot roast. Tonight, I am enjoying this wine with a pan seared bone-in ribeye over a bed of sautéed onions and mushrooms, with a big baked potato. Cheers!
