A thin crimson rim surrounds this wine’s profound black core. Crushed blackberries, sloe jam, graphite and licorice jump from the glass. The palate shows candied cherries and blueberry jam, with a hint of dark chocolate ss. A medium level of glycerol coats the mouth to pave way for grainy tannins. The medium-plus acidity cleanses the full-bodied palate into the fairly quick finish. Despite its highly ripe style, this is likely to be a crowd pleaser. Drink now through 2016.

— Published (6/16/2014)