Inky black at the core, this wine smells beastly in its promising, youthful complexity, offering aromas of black cherry-cough s, violets and cassis. It is a richly fruited and approachable sip that surprisingly diverts to an intensely savory palate that doles out hints of peat, gunflint and grated hard spice. Round in feel, the scruffy tannins and lifting acidity hold this richly textured wine well within the boundaries of over-opulence. Toasty, spicy and chocolaty veins come through on the engaging finish. Drink now–2024.

— Published (1/31/2018)