Inky black, with a tiny purple rim, this wine sports an impressively fresh blackcurrant aroma alongside notes of licorice, wild flowers, pencil lead and animal. The entry on the palate is surprisingly soft and voluptuous, but is counter-balanced by enticingly bitter, plum skin-like tannins, pronounced but integrated acidity and an overall firmness on the palate. The finish lingers, with notes of singed fireplace logs. Generous on the finish, this is best placed alongside a meal at the table or with heavier appetizers. Drink now through 2018.

— Published (6/11/2015)