Carbon black at the core, this wine has a pale garnet rim. Lightly mature on the nose, with hints of tobacco and savory spice, this also shows advancement on the palate in notes of leather. There are also layers of dried earth, tobacco leaf and savory spices that are strictly reined in by vigorous tannins and zippy acidity. This will pair beautifully with a pile of charred meats and sausages. There’s enough strength to the finish and focused structure to suggest this wine will hold or continue to evolve well through 2018.

— Published (5/19/2016)