Vibrant, youthful and savory nose of smashed blackberries, fresh-picked rosemary and crushed black pepper. Vanilla bean notes from oak aging show through more clearly with half an hour in the glass. This full-bodied wine shows moderate viscosity and a creaminess that floats on the palate without weighing it down. Velvety tannins and soft acidity make for a cuddly yet balanced palate. There is finesse here despite the wine’s youthfulness. Overall, a crowd-pleasing wine. Drink now to 2015. It’s lovely now, so why wait?

— Published (8/27/2012)