Raven colored and exceptionally aromatic, this is wine explodes with character. There are charred fireplace embers, game, smoked figs and cassis. Evolved notes of cigar box lift from the glass as it sits. Impressively concentrated, this has oodles of midpalate muscle and chunky fruit. The tannins are powerful but smooth, and the acidity sweeps in on the moderate finish to provide light relief from the mouthcoating, glycerol thickness. Drinking well now, this should hold another year or two.

— Published (3/16/2023)