This appears to be an excellent vintage for Emma’s Reserve from a tasting standpoint, showcasing a spicy, peppery twist before the deep, demure nose crammed with tapenade, black puree, dark cherries, charcoal, chili chocolate, tobacco and cigars. Lots of cabernet characters here encompass the fine pyrazine characters that are well integrated onto the nose and palate. Lush black fruit, dark chocolate and spices meld on the rich, full-bodied palate with a linchpin of fine-grained, dusty tannins. Powerful, long and intense. JS