The nose is quite intense and offers classic black fruit with whiffs of cranberry, cigar box, graphite and subtle perfume. The blueberry and blackberry character of the nose follows through onto a wellrounded mid-palate, with notes of thyme, oregano and rosemary and pencil lead, tobacco, cedar and spice derived from the French oak. The wine is medium bodied, smooth and lithe, yet with enough structure provided by its fine, cocoa powdery tannins and a vibrant acidity to balance. A pleasant garrigue character lingers on a composed finish with hints of dark chocolate.