2007 Newton Cabernet Sauvignon The Puzzle

(14.5% alcohol): Good dark ruby. Slightly medicinal aromas of black raspberry, dark-chocolate oak, licorice, musky tobacco and violet convey considerable sex appeal, with the Merlot and Cabernet Franc components coming through clearly today. Dense, suave and lively, with blackberry, violet and licorice pastille flavors given shape by bright acidity. This juicy, well-delineated wine combines enticing sweetness with serious energy, with an element of saline minerality contributing to its impression of grip. Finishes with substantial building, fine-grained tannins and rising length. As primary and backward as this wine is today, it's already long on flavor and personality. And it's much better than it appeared to be when I first tasted it in 2011: distinctly higher-pitched and more precise.

(a blend of 56% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 8% petit verdot and 3% cabernet franc): Good bright ruby. Aromas of plum, dried cherry, leather, dark chocolate, coffee and mocha. Sweet and broad, showing a strong oakiness to the flavors of cassis, leather, licorice, espresso and German chocolate cake. Offers a fine-grained texture but slightly edgy acidity and strong dusty, building tannins will require several years to harmonize. Today the $25 Claret is a lot more fun to drink. (A second sample of equal quality showed stronger oak spices but a somewhat mellower finish.)