I tried this wine for the first time at Cuvee 2010 in February – at that time I wasn’t sure whether what I was sipping a barrel sample or a recently bottled sample – either way I decided to sit on my notes until I could get a handle on what I was tasting (my initial assessment was a 4-star rating). Now some 5 months later I can talk freely about this offering, a very complex and nuanced wine with a laundry list of smells and flavours. The nose shows mocha, black fruit, hint of red cherry, white pepper, and spiced vanilla. The palate shows a real greatness of flavour: red and black fruit, with mocha/chocolate notes, vanilla, good acid and tannin balance – absolutely lovely flavour – all developed thru good growing practices and 2 years in French oak. Only 600 bottles made. Price: $50.00 – Rating: ****½