This the first vintage made by Michael Silacci, who was winemaker from 1995 to 2001 (when he left to join Opus One). Black aromatic fruit on the nose with topnotes of sweet gumdrops – this is primary fruit still. The  palate is fresh and intense, with more primary fruit and then slightly cooked maraschino cherry; the tannins are young and fresh with superb grip at the moment. What a serious foodie wine!  Powerful, with a velvety mouthfeel (the famous Stag’s Leap “iron hand in velvet glove”) and amazing grip at end. What a great wine