A touch of wood frames an intensely earthy and animale nose of red berries leather underbrush forest floor crushed herbs and a hint of smoke that complements the rich full round and supple flavors that are relatively forward on the mid-palate yet tighten up quickly on the long powerful and sappy finish that is certainly attractive but not as complex as one might reasonably hope for. Still this is solid it's just not special.

This ripe red is beginning to show some game and spice aromas and flavors in addition to the cherry and berry notes. This lacks charm showing stern drying tannins on the finish despite its supple texture up-front. Best from 2013 through 2020. -BS