Massive in color, this wine’s core is impenetrable. The thin rim reluctantly offers some mulberry hues. The nose smells of a mixed berry cobbler, combining blueberry, mulberry, black cherry and Damson plum tossed with extra tablespoons of cinnamon and allspice. All of these aromas follow through to the creamy and concentrated palate, and those flavors linger patiently on the finish. The smoky, tar-like oak notes hang around, too. Structurally, this wine is seamless, with just enough caressing acidity and supporting tannin to keep things in line. However, as the structure is so lenient, it is ready to sip now, despite the good concentration. Enjoy before 2017.

— Published (6/16/2014)