| TASTE BENCHMARKS | |||
| Profile #1 Collectible Style |
Profile #2 Dense, Generous Style |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark to inky black color. Young wines should have no brown edge. | Dark to inky black color. | |
| Aroma | The best wines exude power and class in the nose. In youth they may be understated and a little closed, even reductive. Look in the mouth for fruit. | Red currant, blackberry, licorice, and/or plum, often complexed with basil, tarragon or sage. | |
| Flavor | Cassis, plum, blueberry and tar. Very dense tannins should be fine and all on the top of the tongue with no graininess. | Rich fine tannins support bright, elegant, satisfying flavors with great richness and length. | |
| Balance | Ageworthy wines will not have excessive alcohol and should have at least moderate acidity. | May be somewhat alcohol driven. | |
| PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS | |||
| Viticultural | Low but balanced yields. | ||
| Terroir | Varies tremendously. Many of the best wines blend terroir influences, but single vineyards outside approved appellations also appear in this category. | Varies tremendously. Many of the best wines blend terroir influences, but single vineyards outside approved appellations also appear in this category. | |