This wine has a deep maroon core and a pomegranate-colored rim. Its nose is massively perfumed with anise, roses, lilac and açai. The palate follows through on the red fruit, with tart lingonberry and rhubarb. Medium-minus in body, it offers lilting acidity, silky tannins and oodles of pure fruit. Sure to be a crowd pleaser, it drinks well alone or with food and could be a nice alternative to a juicy, warm-climate Pinot Noir. It’s pleasant now, but its medium finish suggests it might hold and improve for several years, drinking well through 2018.

— Published (1/11/2016)