In 1987, we made our first vintage of a wine styled after the famous First Growth producers of Bordeaux, created with the same uncompromising care as the Grands Vins of those venerable chateaux. Full-bodied with ripe black fruit and complex baking spice, this wine is amazingly ready to drink right out of the gate, and you can try a bottle or two now—but make sure to save a few to enjoy this wine as it continues to evolve after some time in the cellar.

Bright with a dark purple/black core lightening to ruby/purple at the rim, with slowly forming, moderately stained tears on the glass. The nose is complex and attractively aromatic, showing very ripe cherry and black currant fruit followed by savory notes of cedar, pipe tobacco, vanilla bean, baking spice, and warm oak. Full-bodied on the palate with ripe notes of crème de cassis and black cherry jam, with hints of red berry fruit on entry and vanilla, licorice, and baking spice leading into the midpalate, which shows complex savory notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, and leather. The lengthy and continually changing finish progresses from ripe black cherry fruit flavors accented by baking spice and oak notes to ripe chewy tannins and balancing acidity that adds depth and freshness.