This is a refined and elegant wine, with a powerful undercurrent of tannin and oak. Dried herb, crushed rock and pepper accent a lingering core of blackberry and blueberry compote ringed in dark chocolate. This is complex and compelling.

The 2018 Cabernet Franc asuka is a blend of 80% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it sails out of the glass with bright, refreshing notions of red currant jelly, wild blueberries and ripe blackberries with suggestions of rose hip tea, lilacs, chocolate box and pencil shavings plus a waft of underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating, crunchy red and black fruits, framed by fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed.