Mint, dark chocolate and cassis sing on the nose of this wine. The palate shows power, density and concentration. The flavors come straight out of a bakery: sweet spices, toast and more chocolate. In fact, it is reminiscent of a dark chocolate babka. Yet, the palate is resolutely dry, with finely sculpted, lightly drying tannins and firm tension. Black cherries and blackberries surface on the warm finish. This has base notes of fallen autumn leaves and a bare hint of earthiness, too, indicating a touch of bottle age. It seems the sheer, muscular intensity of the wine is here to stay, so there’s no clear benefit in waiting longer to enjoy. Drink now–2024.

— Published (1/27/2022)