2007 Altus Cabernet Sauvignon

(includes 12% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 4% malbec; made at Merus): Inky ruby. Powerful aromas of dark berry compote, cherry-cola, smoky herbs and licorice, with slow-building notes of mocha and vanilla. Lush and creamy on entry, then firmer in the middle, offering chewy blackberry and cassis flavors and a touch of bitter cherry. The vanilla note comes back on the long, sweet, penetrating finish. This benefits a lot from air.