Raven black at the core, this wine sports tinges of purple and cranberry toward the rim. It smells primarily of licorice, caramel and pencil lead followed by some black cherry fruit notes. The full-bodied palate is meaty and savory, with signs of advancement in the notes of leather, tobacco leaf and damp earth. There’s nicely concentrated fruit in the form of black cherries, boysenberries and sloe jam. There’s also a nice touch of iron and mint. The solid finish is nicely drawn out, with lightly grainy and pleasantly drying tannins and zesty, integrated acidity. This is aging well and has a good ways to go.

— Published (2/29/2016)