The overall impression of high extraction and serious structure carries aromas of deep, black, brooding plum, black cherry, black currant and dried blueberry. The dark nose is accentuated by slightly vanilla-laced cool menthol. Looking deeper you find cedar-tinged accents and a slight fennel earth aroma that melds into dark mocha. Ethereal wisps of lavender and sage are found as the wine begins to open. The first sip gets your attention with its thick, fat, round, generous and dense mouthful of black fruits encapsulated in accents of anise.