Bright medium ruby. Captivating, pungent aromas of raspberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and flowers, plus a hint of mocha. Much more tightly wound than when I tasted it shortly after the bottling, displaying a pure raspberry puree flavor complemented by underlying savory minerality. Not opulent or fleshy but has no shortage of mid-palate stuffing. Boasts lovely purity and thrust, finishing with reasonably ripe tannins, hints of pepper and herbs and repeating minerality. Shows the coolness of this very late harvest but the fruit is ripe. (14.7% alcohol; 95% new oak)

Made in a much lighter style, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon J. Daniel Cuvee is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in French oak. It offers up notes of cedarwood, tobacco leaf, underbrush and red and black currants. Medium-bodied with soft tannin and low acidity, it will need to be drunk over the next 7-8 years.