This wine sports a deeply colored core, with black streaks and a bright pomegranate rim. Compellingly funky on the nose, it smells of peat, charred fireplace wood and black plum skin. The broad palate has mild but nicely structuring tannins and tastes of black currant preserves and cassis. Savory spice and leather dominate the moderate finish. A musky, masculine ion, this nicely concentrated, voluptuous wine is perfectly constructed for cold winter nights and rare prime rib dinners. Drink now through 2018.

— Published (1/11/2016)