This is a powerful and upfront wine, raging with notes of Pepsi, quinine, cinnamon stick, seared orange peel, sweet red cherry and musk. Its glass-staining color is black at the core and fades to deep crimson at the rim. The palate is silky smooth and highly concentrated. The tannins are soft on approach but dry on the medium-length finish, making this a wine for the table. The perky acidity also shows this is a good wine for pairing with meaty dishes. Anything from the grill would be delicious! Drink now through 2021.

— Published (2/29/2016)