Black cherry-colored at the core, this moderately fragrant wine smells of tart cherries covered in creosote and hot tar. The palate is kinder than its first impressions suggest, with milk chocolate-covered cherries, ripe raspberries and vanilla extract. It’s nicely concentrated, with a mildly oaky, medium-length finish. Lightly mouthcoating on the attack, the wine cleans up nicely thanks to its buoyant acidity. It shows good oak integration and layered complexity, suggesting it has some time to go. Enjoy now through 2019.

— Published (5/19/2016)