Sultry in appearance given its massively black core, this wine shows impressively fresh and ripe fruit, including fig, blackberry, loganberry and sloe. Interestingly, a light and lilting menthol note occasionally surfaces on the nose. The monstrous palate is mouthcoating, but the wine’s pronounced acidity impressively saves it from heaviness. The tannins are firm and tight-grained and the oak is pronounced, making this a wine dedicated to hedonists. Whatever the style, the finish lingers with a good fruit and oak balance enjoy through 2020.

— Published (6/16/2014)