2010 Rudius Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

(15.1% alcohol; from clone 7 planted on the eastern hillside above Oakville; aged in 60% new Taransaud and Darnajou barrels): Full red-ruby. Pure but restrained nose offers scents of black raspberry, mocha, chocolate, graphite and sexy spices. Lush, sweet and edge-free, with a hint of exotic chocolate adding interest to the black raspberry fruit. Nicely plush but not at all over the top. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins, a repeating suggestion of exotic oak and lovely lingering sweetness. This is very appealing already.