This wine’s glass-staining color is an impenetrable black. The nose is fruit-driven and forward, with highly ripe black fruits and a surprising tinge of sage. Prune, dried fig, date and cassis characterize the flavors. The broad, mouthcoating palate is brooding, dense and somewhat tiresome. Refined, supple tannins are complemented by medium acidity. It’s best for bin-ends and happy-hour wines by the glass drink now through early 2015.

— Published (3/27/2014)