2017 Sleight of Hand The Archimage

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of dark berries, black plum, musky mocha and gravelly minerality. A step up in density and concentration from The Conjuror but not at all sweet; in fact, this is quite unevolved today and in need of patience. Licorice and herb notes complicate flavors of blueberry and plum. Finishes with a firm spine of fine-grained tannins and good energy and rising length. Less juicy and sweet today than The Conjuror, and in an awkward stage today, but this is a more important wine. I'd wait a year or two before pulling the cork. (aged in one-third new oak for 20 months)

The 2017 The Archimage, a blend of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot, gives up aromas roasted red bell pepper, juicy plum, dusty currant, and hints of baked clay and exotic red flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the wine lands on the palate with focus and finesse, showing a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins. Showing elements of red plum and black cherry, the wine ends with a lingering dusty potpourri essence on the finish. The wine aged in French oak barriques for 22 months, of which 40% were first use. It’s delightful. 7,600 bottles produced.

A split of 52% Cabernet Franc and 48% Merlot that was aged 20 months in one-third new French oak, the 2017 The Archimage Reserve offers smoking notes of blackberries, cassis, tobacco leaf, graphite, and cedar pencils as well as a touch of foresty, floral notes. Seamless, medium to full-bodied, and brilliantly textured, it's a stunning wine from this estate that will keep for over a decade.