2007 Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

This has attractive florals with dried blue fruit, leaves and forest wood, as well as fresh red berries. Some earth, too. It gives a fresh and elegant impression. The palate confirms this and is really quite fresh and fleshy with red-plum and pomegranate flavors. There’s a lot to like here. Very fresh, long and poised. No additions. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Showing a bit more evolved color than the 2004, the 2007 Diana Madeline features scents of tea, cassis and brown sugar. It's medium-bodied, with a plush, velvety mid-palate and just a slightly coarse finish. This should be consumed over the next few years.

Magnum. Sumptuous nose. Very heady yet not overdone. This is all about texture and subtle nuance – cashmere tannins? – rather than fruit. Very mellow, sweet and round. (JR)