This is a wine that is part of my quest to find a sub-$12 red as a good 'daily drinker'. I had read some quite brilliant reviews of this wine, and it is plentiful and inexpensive, so I thought I would give it a try. It is a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot (to give it a nice smooth finish, presumably), and Petite Verdot.
Color is rich purple, but with some brown hues - not ruby purple. I was very pleased with the nose, which is bold, showing blackberry jam and leather, some white pepper and a slight alcohol odor that I bet will go away with decanting, but I didn't have patience with the first glass. Ripe fruit, Shiraz-like pepper, somewhat dry, and extremely clean finish with a very slight sour fruit and pepper hue to it. Any tannins are graciously smoothed over, almost to be non-existent. Texture is like a big pinot - not quite as big as a cab. I always hope for huge fruit taste and nose (in particular) like, for example, the 2003 Franciscan cabernet sauvignon and this delivers only slightly, but is very enjoyable, has a great finish, and is definitely worth the money paid.
On the 2nd day, this wine showed more maturity, and definitely less alcohol and stringency to the nose, which was pleasant. I still long for more of a 'fruit bomb' in the nose, but this is pleasant, if a bit understated.
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