Pitch black at the core, this wine has a dark scarlet rim. The nose is enticing and multi-dimensional in fresh-cracked pepper, worn leather and dried black currant. The palate is tense and a touch coarse, with marked acidity and lightly astringent tannins. This structural combo leaves the palate refreshed but also lacking in fruit, giving way to a hint of minty relief on the finish. Drink now through 2017.

— Published (2/29/2016)