This crimson-colored wine has definitely turned toward the tertiary, with aromas of fallen leaves, fireplace smoke and dry-aged steak. The flavors are similar but add amaro tones and brandy-steeped cherry notes. Full-bodied, with high but integrated alcohol, this wine is surprisingly flabby on the palate, with lightly bitter tannins and modest acidity. It should be consumed now through late 2014.

— Published (3/27/2014)