The deep black core on this wine is inflected with bright maroon. The nose is lightly funky in an intriguing way, with hints of Band-Aid, iron, wet rug and hung game. The palate opens into the fruit spectrum with red raspberry and strawberry, and then segues into flavors of black cherry and fig. There’s also loads of baking spice and vanilla extract. Medium plus in body, the wine is mouth-coatingly viscous, especially as the acidity is only medium and struggles to balance the wine. The svelte tannins also work hard to keep the wine centered. Drink 2013–2016.

— Published (9/24/2013)