Raging black in color with a dark maroon rim, this wine smells of hung game, pencil lead, black cherry coulis and cinnamon. The full-bodied palate has excellent balance, with vivacious acidity framing the black plums and blackberries. The tannins are surprisingly rounded and gentle, but do provide low-intensity, structural back-up. Nonetheless, this is overall a linebacker style of wine, with full-throttle energy, focused purity and lengthy intensity. Drink now or age a while, through 2020, as it will be highly rewarding for several years to come.

— Published (2/29/2016)