Good medium-deep red. Pungent scents of redcurrant, licorice and peppery herbs. Smooth, juicy and intense on the palate, but with a note of peppery austerity to its redcurrant, raspberry and spice flavors. Showing a bit less fruit sweetness than the outstanding '17 did at the same stage but this '18 boasts excellent inner-mouth energy and perfumed lift in a slightly more peppery direction. Today the Cabernet Franc dominates. Finishes with a smooth dusting of tannins and a repeating peppery quality. This excellent second wine really needs a year to harmonize--or serve it sooner with a slab of fatty meat.

Cabernet Franc makes up 37% of this blend, with the rest Merlot (29%), Cabernet Sauvignon 23%) and Petit Verdot. The aromas are locked up on first pour, with notes of whole orange, raspberry, cherry and herb that show freshness. Soft, plush fruit flavors follow. It's less overtly structure-driven thanprevious offerings, but still has plenty of longevity in it.