This wine is intensely black at the core, with a dark magenta rim. It smells of cherry cola, vanilla extract and turmeric. The palate is densely flavored, highly extracted and full bodied, while the structure is subtle yet supporting, with moderate-plus acidity and lightly splintery tannins. Flavors of game, gunpowder, loganberrires, cassis and baked Mission figs abound. There’s good complexity and a lingering, harmonious finish. Drinking well now, this has the diversity of character to hold on a while if the structure doesn’t give way enjoy through 2018.

— Published (5/19/2016)