More structured tannic and backward than usual without the flesh and opulence of vintages such as 2005 2001 and 2000 this blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color as well as notes of graphite black raspberries cherries and currants. There is plenty of noticeable new oak but the wine possesses enough structure and concentration to handle the wood. I suspect malolactic had recently been completed as this 2006 was not easy to assess. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following 15-20.