Production
A blend of five of the classic Bordeaux cultivars (Cab. Sauv., Merlot, Cab. Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) with Cabernet Sauvignon being at least 50% of the blend, sometimes reaching as high as 75% of the blend in exceptional Cab. years. The best barrels are always chosen for this wine, with the Cab. Sauv. grapes usually coming from a later picking to add to the complexity. The wine is stored for longer periods of time in the barrel. (anywhere from 14 to 20 months) The time ���on the skins� is usually longer, again to achieve higher extraction from the skins.