This pale, crimson-colored wine with a dark strawberry rim has a bold and new oak-driven nose. It smells of ganache, cassis, caramel and black pepper. This medium-bodied wine has slightly noticeable alcohol, which is quite odd. The moderately concentrated flavors of boysenberry, pomegranate and raspberry tart finish quickly. With light tannins and integrated, refreshing acidity, this is a good quaffer that would drink well with a light chill and work especially well at a bistro table. Drink now through 2017.

— Published (2/29/2016)