An early tasting of this hot vintage favorite (I loved the ’07 version) set for a fall 2012 release, has 20% new oak ageing, yet the only thing that gives it away are the ballsy tannins. The nose is brambly dark fruit and cocoa powder tinged; on the palate it’s hefty, rustic and restrained all at the same time. The urge might have been to oak this wine forever, but instead winemaker Craig McDonald showed restraint so the dark fruit still shows through; and although it is dark and brooding with robust gritty tannins. This one needs 5+ years to come into its own – it’s big and the fruit is there you just need to show some patience. Price: $38.00 – Rating: ****+