2002 Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon

(includes bits of merlot, petit verdot and cabernet franc) Full ruby. Aromas of cassis, violet, licorice candy, bitter chocolate and spicy oak, with hints of band-aid and mint. Primary, minerally and firm-edged, with repeating notes of licorice and violet lifting the cherry pit flavor. Intriguing wine, but falls down a bit on the finish, which is dried somewhat by oak tannins.