This wine’s color looks exactly like a black cherry, from core to rim. Save some oak nuances of sweet cream, vanilla bean and gingerbread, the nose is rather restrained. The palate, however, is livelier, with intense black currant, blackberry and licorice flavors. The body is intense, but the alcohol is well balanced and there is very little mouthcoating glycerol. Some toasty oak notes resurface on the lingering finish. Still quite youthful, this wine has the legs to go the distance. Drink 2015–2020.

— Published (6/16/2014)