This wine shows a dark, almost impenetrable black core, with a lively raspberry rim. The nose is reserved, with slightly muddled forest-berry fruits, licorice and forest floor. The palate shows some confected fruit, with black cherry-cough syrup accompanied by pounds of sweet spice. There’s a nice juiciness to the wine, but it is slightly dulled by the medium acidity that drags more than lifts the palate. Still, the fruit is clean, and there are caressing tannins that many wine drinkers would appreciate, especially in a wine by the glass. Drink now through 2017.

— Published (6/11/2015)