Though I was not a fan of the 2002, I was enraptured by the 2003 Merlot. Chocolate, cassis liqueur, cherries jubilee, spices, and violets are found in its magnificent aromatics. Aged in 80% new oak (of which 80% is French and the balance Pennsylvanian), this concentrated gem slathers the palate with black raspberries, spices, copious quantities of cherries, and blackberries that envelope its significant tannin. Projected maturity: now-2016.
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