This wine starts with a beetle shell-black core that leads to a nose of candied black cherry. The palate is ripe, but doesn’t tip overboard into dried or preserved fruit characters. Straightforward, with flavors of cassis, licorice and minerals, this properly balanced, full-bodied wine has fresh acidity and almost pillowy tannins. Suavely crafted, this would be a solid wine for keyed-in retail or by the glass in restaurants. Drink now–2018.

— Published (4/26/2017)