Opaque ruby. Powerful, deeply pitched black and blue fruit, candied licorice, violet pastille and fruitcake flavors are braced by a spine of juicy acidity and a hint of smoky minerals. Stains the palate with densely packed cassis, bitter cherry and blueberry flavors that pick up exotic spice, cola and dark chocolate on the back half. This deeply concentrated wine shows remarkable clarity and litheness for its richness and finishes extremely long and spicy, with a resonating floral note and chewy, steadily building tannins.

Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media (97)