2005 L'etranger Cabernet Sauvignon

Inky violet. Minty cassis and blackberry on the nose, with an array of floral, herbal and mineral qualities adding interest. Deep and sweet but structured, with powerful dark berry and bitter cherry flavors, firm tannic grip and superb finishing thrust. Gains in sweetness with air but remains balanced, offering a beautifully judged interplay of fruit and tannin.

Inky purple. Intense aromas of blackcurrant, cherry and pomegranate molasses lifted by a floral element. Round and sweet, with deep flavors of creme de cassis chocolate and roasted coffee. There's impressive structure here but the wine is bursting with lush, sweet dark fruit flavors that completely absorb the broad, velvety tannins, leaving blackcurrant and blueberry in its wake. Sure to be a superb value.

The 2005 Etranger Cabernet Sauvignon contains 12% Shiraz. Opaque purple-colored, it emits aromas of cedar, spice box, tobacco, tar, espresso, black currant, and blackberry. Supple-textured, with excellent depth and breadth, a light tannin blanket, and a long finish, this flavorful Cabernet merits 5-7 years of further bottle age and should provide pleasure through 2020. Oct 2007, www.robertparker.com