This wine is black, yet reflective in the glass, with a bright fuchsia rim. It’s exuberantly fruity yet full of Old World sageness with notes of asphalt, thyme, anise, blackberry and well-conditioned leather. The mouthfeel is clean and vibrant with medium-plus acidity, no evident glycerol and medium plus—but unobtrusive—body. Lightly drying tannins make this a good food wine, and the lingering finish shows this is food worthy and still ageable. Drink now to 2016.

— Published (3/14/2013)