Onyx black at the core, this wine is rimmed in high-wattage magenta. Its seductive and engaging nose straddles fresh and evolved aromas—there’s pencil lead, roasted prime rib and sloe jam along with lilac, pink peppercorn, spicy pecan and ripe black plums. The palate is brilliantly balanced between intensely concentrated ripe fruit, pleasantly clenching tannins and laser-like acidity. There’s so much freshness, with just the tiniest hint of oak-induced dark chocolate and spent coffee grinds influence, that it is clear there’s talent at the helm. It’s a bit showy and impressive, but in a good way. This is delicious now, but should hold well through 2021.

— Published (5/19/2016)