Sleek and powerful. A firm and silky red, with plum and chocolate character. Full-bodied, with compacted fruit and silky tannins. Long and silky. Needs lots of time in the bottle. Best after 2009. 8,330 cases made.

Aromas of chocolate along with roasted meats, charcoal, black currants, and damp earthy scents jump from the glass of this dense ruby/purple-colored 2000. Highly-extracted, medium to full-bodied, chewy, not terribly complex, but big, corpulent, and bold, if it pulls itself together and develops additional nuances, this wine will merit an outstanding score. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.