When you hear the old British term Claret, do you think of the leaner style Bordeaux of days gone past? I know I do, but this version from California is nothing like that.
I'd say it's more of a fruit-bomb, laden with cassis and plum cake, chocolate covered cherries, cedar and vanilla, plenty of minty notes and undertones of earth and espresso. The palate is opulent but is lifted with fantastic acidity, the flavours echo the aromas with chocolate, red fruit, coffee and spice, the tannins fine and powdery.
It's a glassful of decadence.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 20th, 2009