Deep ruby colored with an inky core, moderate staining, and a high viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose has medium intensity aromas of cassis, blackberry jam, black plum, mint, eucalyptus, coffee, blueberry, and a hint of oak.  The palate is dry, with medium acidity, a full body, and high tannins.  The fruit is ripe indeed, with cassis running the show.  Blackberry coulis, blueberry pie, some herbal notes and a trace of oak.  The tannins really grip on the mid palate and stay there for a prolonged period, the finish itself is medium in length and delicious.  This wine is a bit young, but could be decanted or aerated for immediate pleasure or cellared for a few years. Drink by 2035, with a juicy steak or lamb chops.  93 points from me for this $30 bottle that’s on sale at Costco for $15 makes it a no brainer 5 star effort.  Salut….

I’m a little concerned about this bottle, the cork is showing signs of seepage, but here goes.  Deep ruby colored, slight staining, and high viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose has medium (+) intensity aromas of blackberry coulis, vanilla, baking spice, black plum reduction, a hint of eucalyptus, toasted oak, cedar lined cigar box, acai berry, a trace of toasted coconut, and a touch of cassis.  There’s obvious ripeness in this Napa Cabernet- the sun was definitely shining!  The palate is dry, with medium (+) acidity, a full body, and medium (+) tannins- but there’s also a definitive sourness to the wine.  Is it seepage from the cork?  The fruit is slightly muted, but still showing ripeness and structure.  The tannins smooth out nicely and the finish is long with dark fruit dominating, yet there’s something slightly out of balance.  For such a rich and ripe wine, the tartness is quite obvious.  I wonder if the bottle is flawed?  Tertiary development is forthcoming as the primary fruit is still the driving force, I would imagine a long lived wine if stored correctly and a cork that was intact.  I can only go 92 points on this award winning wine which runs $257 ex-chateau.  3 stars- pairing with grilled tri-tip.  Salut….