Pours a glass-staining, deep ruby clour. The nose is quite intense, with aromas of cassis, wild blackberry, prune, mint, cedar, tobacco, leather, bay leaf, bell pepper, and a touch of coffee and molasses. On the palate it is full and rich, though lacking elegance and the complexity of the nose. The tannins are substantial and have some grip, and the acidity is a bit low, which causes some heaviness. The finish is long-ish, but a touch hot. Should handle thick cuts of red meat nicely.