(2013) Pouring a bold, youthful crimson colour, the nose of this range-topping 'flagship' wine is lovely. It's a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Merlot and 17% Petite Sirah, and the 28 months of French oak ageing has added a rounded, creamy rather than charry character, with some real pencil shaving and cedary finesse as well as quite bold red and black fruit. There is a hint of raspberry or cherry as well as the more expected cassis. On the palate the tannins are big, dry and powerful, really gripping this wine with dusty intensity, the oak adds another layer of vanilla, tobacco and spice, so there is depth and fullness. The fruit is nicely ripe, nicely sweet, but retains a pleasing edge of acidity. That gives the wine a bit of life and vitality, offsetting a rather overtly oaky and extracted character, that verges on being a touch too much for me.