The aromas bursting from the glass are dark and intense; blackberry and blueberry fruit, cocoa, smoky tea and toasty oak. With a little time in the decanter or in your glass and more delicate notes of red cherry, lavender and mineral earth emerge to add depth and interest. On the palate, the fruit takes over, a riot of red and black berries and stone fruit dominating with savory oak and the darker elements of earth and cocoa flavors showing around the edge. Tannins are gripping but smooth and elegant and the trademark acidity of Cab Franc is perfectly integrated into a seamless whole. Though it should age well up to a decade, this beautifully balanced and precocious wine is what to drink now. Enjoy it with pork and game, long-simmered braises and grilled vegetable dishes. It's also a perfect red wine for cheeses, especially with hard Italian and Spanish types. A Votre Santé!