2008 Quintet

(made from a blend of 44% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, 7% malbec and 4% petit verdot): Bright red. High-pitched aromas of redcurrant, cherry and spicecake, with a touch of tobacco and a strong mineral quality . Aeration brings up a darker cassis quality, which adds depth to the tangy red fruit and candied rose flavors. Very pure, concentrated and focused but on the youthfully tight side, finishing with excellent cut and lingering spiciness. This really should be left alone for at least another seven years. Two thousand eight was a very early harvest here, by the way, and this wine comes in at 12.8% alcohol.