This wine has a deep black core and bright magenta rim. Its aromas are brooding with notes of game, tar, Band-Aid and black currant. Cedar lurks in the background, giving some aromatic lift and dimension. The wine sits in the mid-palate, defined by high acidity and tight, tugging tannins. Though its flavors seem pent up at this stage, the medium-plus finish indicates there is much left to be revealed. This wine needs a hunk of grilled, roasted or stewed meat as much as it needs a lover of earthy, Old World wines.

— Published (9/24/2013)