This wine is massively intense in color with a small mulberry rim. The wine’s nose is reserved, but with time it shows black plum, black cherry, sloe jam and graphite. Full bodied but not heavy, the wine strikes an excellent balance on the palate thanks to its crackling acidity and streamlined tannins. Juicy from attack to finish, the creamy midpalate packed with vanilla and spice notes in between, this is a showstopper, if a touch on the oaky side. Drink now through 2019.

— Published (6/16/2014)