Black as pavement at the core, this wine is bright at the rim with its cherry color. The nose zeroes in on oak nuances of Mexican hot chocolate, vanilla extract and nougat, with a lightly distracting note of paint thinner. The palate is lightly warm in alcohol, slightly heavy in viscosity and only moderately complex. This is an easy drinker and its short finish confirms its best enjoyed soon for its plummy fruit freshness. Drink now through 2017.

— Published (2/29/2016)