Peppery raspberry jam, light raisins, espresso and limestone on the nose. Very silky and sweet palate with nice slightly bitter (in a good way) chocolate and raspberry fruit on the attack and a nice long finish with mild but persistent tannins. No alcohol on the nose, but just a hint of it on what is a long finish.
This was on my short list of things to drink, and your note inspired me to pop it tonight. I agree with your note, complete with the pleasing bitterness, but I got a little scorched earth on the palate as well (also in a good way). In the first 20 minutes, there was a little spritz in the profile that was worrisome, but it went away. Very impressive. It will be interesting to see how the rest of the bottle shows tomorrow night.
I have now had a 2006 Cherry Red, Rising Tides and S&S in the last two weeks, and while they are very different wines they have one thing in common: They all have a large flavor profile but manage not to be fatiguing or heavy on the palate.
Glad you enjoyed it Brad - I think a couple of years of rest have done this wine a world of good.