this lavish yet regionally descriptive blend of 45% merlot, 44% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot offers fresh-pressed blackberry, just-picked dill, graphite, tobacco ash and pencil lead on the nose. dried-herb complexity shines on the palate, with swirling elements of oregano, bay leaf, thyme and tobacco layered across blackberry and blueberry fruit. there's the slightest barnyard touch too.
Valedictorian