This is the flagship wine of Poplar Grove, a merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon blend that's aged 24 months in French oak. The nose has riveting intensity, with finely honed currant-raspberry fruit nicely fitted with herb, tobacco, oak spice and background vanilla. It is full-bodied and lush, yet poised. It has a very silky mid-palate, with considerable heat on the finish. The tannins are still there too, so give it a year or so in the cellar for best enjoyment. This is very impressive — a wine of stature and grace that belongs in collectors' cellars.