2009 Oakville East Wine Company Core Stone

(made from a blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot): Bright purple. A heady bouquet presents black and blue fruits, Indian spices and vanilla, with smoke and cigar box accents. Fleshy, deeply pitched cassis and cherry-vanilla flavors are lifted by a bright mineral note and show impressive energy. Closes sweet, broad and very long, with supple tannins that fade into the fruit. (JR)