2001 Merus Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep, bright ruby. Superripe aromas of black raspberry, roasted cassis, licorice, pipe tobacco and smoked meat. Dense, rich and sweet, with flamboyant flavors of cassis, licorice, leather, game and black tea. As extracted and high in alcohol (15.1%) as this is, its lovely ripe acidity somehow keeps it fresh and gives it shape. Finishes very long and sweet, with suave, melting tannins. Very impressive California cabernet, and a wonderful example of the vintage.