This wine was given to me for my birthday recently.  I was not sure what to expect from an American ‘Negociant’ wine, but I was willing to give it a try!

Very dark and thick in the glass, which is telltale for what I am expecting.  The nose is plums and mocha with some eucalyptus.  The initial taste is as predicted.  Full bodied, rich, creamy and delicious.  Tannins are at the forefront but not overwhelming.  Plums, blackberry and a touch of oak are all part of the package.  Mid palate wise, the acidity and tannic dryness roll in and take over from the fruit, not that this is a bad thing as I am enjoying the texture tremendously.  The finish is well defined, long and consists of more plums, spice box and the well framed tannins.  There is a cigar box component that I just noticed as well.  Delicious.  Overall, this is a well crafted wine that I am enjoying while Moxie cooks up some Sirloins in a peppercorn sauce.  91 points, drinking now till 2022.  Pricey at $51, until you realize you are drinking Napa Cabernet- well worth it and 4 stars from me.  Salut….