2004 Torbreck Descendant

(shiraz with 8% viognier) Deep ruby. Primary aromas of berry skin, violet, freshly roasted coffee, high-fat chocolate and cinnamon. Very fresh in the mouth, with dense but tangy flavors of cassis, blueberry, mocha and fruitcake. Impressively concentrated and focused wine. With air, this deepened in flavor but gave up nothing in finesse. Finishes sweet and quite long, with an exotic chocolate note and bright acids.

The 2004 Descendant, an old oak-aged blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier from a 12-year old vineyard, offers up notes of blackberries, ink, sweet truffles, and acacia flowers. There are 1,000 cases of this full-bodied, intense, rich blockbuster. It will drink well for 10-15 years. Oct 2006, www.robertparker.com