Onyx at the core, this wine has a small, bright cherry rim, but it’s definitely a tooth stainer. Its nose strives to impress with a complex array of new oak flavors. Toasted coconut, dark chocolate and resin sit on top of blackberries and blackcurrants. The palate is equally bold, but its medium concentration feels hollow given the amount of evident new oak. The finish is only moderate, too. Still, there are enough ripe forest berry and seductive oak flavors as well as a lightly creamy mouthfeel to make lots of friends. The tannins show some kick on the finish, along with bright acidity. Drink now through 2017.

— Published (2/29/2016)