This wine has an opaque core with a lightly hazy appearance. The nose is slightly unusual but attractive with notes of cola, earth, licorice, cinnamon and evergreen. Its focus is on the savory, not the fruity, components. The wine has a delicate ripeness on the attack, emphasizing the sweet oak treatment that’s more obvious on the palate. Medium bodied and not at all heavy, it’s brightened by medium acidity. Drink 2013–late 2014 while still über-fresh.

— Published (9/3/2013)