This deeply colored red has a solid black core. It is full bodied on the attack, with a pleasantly grainy texture on the midpalate. Its acidity is lithe and meshes well with the seamless, moderately firm tannins. Though reserved on the nose with only light nuances of forest floor and crushed gravel, it opens up nicely on the palate. Blackberry, black plum skin, licorice and pipe tobacco combine into a complex palate. Decant this for half an hour to allow the bouquet to open up before drinking. The alcohol is a bit pronounced on the back palate, but that shouldn’t be distracting with a hearty meal. Enjoy now through 2019.

— Published (2/29/2016)