Impressively inky, this wine musters a small, bright maroon rim. Decidedly oak influenced on the nose, this wine’s blueberry and black-fruit flavors support lots of cinnamon, allspice, cumin and roasted pecan notes. Caressing and supple without being plump, the palate is nonetheless hedonistic in terms of concentration and voluptuousness. Still, there is little viscosity and the moderating acidity keeps the mouthfeel fresh. The tannins are highly finessed until the medium finish, where they surface in a rather drying fashion. Drink now through 2018.

— Published (6/16/2014)