This auburn-colored wine roars out of the glass with an unusual array of aromas—it’s an almost overwhelming first whiff, with oodles of barbecue spices, turmeric and graphite. The palate isn’t shy either, pumping up the wine’s intensity with licorice, sloe jam and loganberries. Oak comes through on the midpalate via notes of vanilla and dark chocolate. While turbocharged in aromas, the mouthfeel is rather laid-back, with medium-plus yet impeccably integrated acidity and caressing tannins that finish lightly dusty. By the glass or bottle, this will surely please anyone who likes bold wines. Drink now through 2018.

— Published (5/19/2016)