2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series

(77% cabernet sauvignon, 14% petit verdot and 9% malbec) Saturated ruby color. Flat-out gorgeous aromas of bitter cherry, cassis, graphite, cedar, Cuban tobacco, dark chocolate and dried flowers. On the palate, juicy dark and red fruit flavors play off musky, almost decadent underbrush and tobacco, with precise but understated Asian spice notes adding even more complexity. This boasts remarkable balance and compelling intricacy of fruit, spice and earth qualities on the long, suave finish, picking up notes of violet and fresh rose on the back. For the money, this is a no-brainer in outstanding, ageworthy cabernet.