This wine’s bright cherry rim surrounds a dark, blackish core. The nose is subtle, but the palate is more giving, with flavors of roasted cherry, boysenberry and field strawberry as well as vanilla bean, sweet spice and nougat. Medium bodied, with a solid acidic backbone and vaguely dry tannins, this wine can be a quaffer or a wine to enjoy with medium-weight foods. With a chill, it would show well at a picnic, too. Still, its medium finish means it shouldn’t be taken too lightly. Drink now–2018.

— Published (2/19/2015)