The wine is a medium crimson color with a somewhat murky core. Pleasant, mulled wine aromas of clove, nutmeg, blackberry and black plum fill the glass. A wee hint of bricking at the rim and some tobacco-leaf notes show evidence of positive evolution. The palate is glossy smooth with no sign of tannin and marked by vibrant acidity from attack to finish. Light tannins also make a brief appearance. This is a wine to enjoy now through 2014 for its juiciness and gulpability. It doesn’t have the stuffing to evolve too much to additional benefit.

— Published (7/16/2013)