Though impenetrable in its black robe from the core almost to the rim, this wine’s legs only barely stain the side of the glass. The nose strikes a similarly brooding vein, but with some air, blackberry, black plum, forest floor and quartz come out. The palate is highly approachable, with a thin veneer of glycerol and generous oak creaminess. Flavors of cola, anise seed, cinnamon and tar mingle with sloe jam and fig paste. The tannins are suave and round, and the acidity is buoyant but elegant. The finish is fairly short and mostly comprised of oak-driven flavors. Nonetheless, this should be a blockbuster hit for most palates that will drink well through 2016.

— Published (6/16/2014)