92 Stephen Tanzer - Vinous Media

(14% alcohol; vinified in stainless steel and aged for eight months in new and used Taransaud barriques): Bright medium ruby. Black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and minerals on the vibrant nose. Densely packed but wonderfully delineated and light on its feet. A very pure, clean, penetrating blend with terrific floral lift from the Cab Franc. This very classy, precise drink has the structure and power to age, and its firm tannins still need a year or two to harmonize with the fruit. I give this a slight edge for vibrancy over the 2014 bottling, which I rated 92 points last year but 91 next to the '15 in April, as this very complex, firm wine was going through an oaky phase.