Carbon black at the core, this wine has a small but distinctively maroon rim. Forward on the nose, it smells of black cherry syrup, cassis and sloe jam layered with hot cocoa and black pepper. It’s a very sexy start. The attack is sumptuous in ripe black fruits. Licorice, baking spice and damp tree bark contribute to the wine’s delicious complexity on the palate. Full bodied, with slightly noticeable alcohol, the creamy tannins give this approachability. The refreshing acidity cleans up the moderate viscosity on the dense palate. This could certainly win a “Most Popular” vote in many a wine tasting class. Drink now through 2019.

— Published (2/29/2016)