This wine’s black core and miniscule maroon meniscus look foreboding. The nose is almost shockingly mineral and earthy it’s packed with peat, freshly plucked mushrooms, iodine and rust. The palate offers up black fruits as well as old leather, incense, lavender and raw meat. Solidly constructed, with a full body, generous alcohol, sculpting tannins and crisp acidity, some time in bottle wouldn’t hurt. The lingering finish confirms this. Still, it drinks just fine today with hearty meat-driven meals. Drink now through 2020.

— Published (8/4/2014)