2012 Black Tulip

The 2012 Black Tulip is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, all aged for 24 Months in French oak (35% new, the rest used). It comes in at 14.9% alcohol. Very refined for this bottling, this is beautifully constructed, solid in the mid-palate, nicely structured and nicely balanced. Its richness, power and concentration are controlled--everything is elevated, but nothing is too much. The fruit has hints of herbs and a somewhat complex overlay. This seems like a beauty. It is worth leaning up just now--let's see how it develops in the cellar.