Copious amounts of creme de cassis, graphite, spice box and a whiff of new saddle leather result in a classic, authoritative, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with no hard edges.
The 2005 La Vina de Andres Romeo is a bit more brooding and backward. Opaque purple/black, it has an alluring nose of toasty oak, pencil lead, scorched earth, espresso, truffle, and blackberry.
The sexy second wine of this estate, the 2005 Blason D’Issan, has a surprisingly saturated, ruby/plum/purple color, wonderful sweet black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, silky tannins, medium body and outstanding concentration, richness and length.
With scents of dark cherry, Indian ink, wild strawberry and a touch of raspberry preserve, all with fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with a sweet core of red berry fruit. The tannins are strong and quite robust, although it is counterbalanced by plenty of fresh red fruit mingling with dried herbs, white pepper and a touch of sage.
An inky/purple color is accompanied by a fabulous creme de cassis-scented bouquet revealing notions of smoked meats, creosote, blackberries, and acacia flowers.
The 1995 is a 40% Merlot/60% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. It exhibits more of the trademark characteristics of its bigger sibling. Elegant, with spicy new oak, lead pencil, and creamy black currant fruit, this is a medium-bodied, finesse-styled wine with excellent purity and overall equilibrium.
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 exhibits graphite, sandalwood, black and red currant, chocolate and damp earth characteristics in its elegant, medium to full-bodied, fresh, lively personality. It is a delicious, luscious, already evolved wine.