Pure and penetrating, with full berry aromas and power throughout. Tight and generous in the mouth, with nice acidity and structured tannins. Tastes toasty and black, with loads of berry, chocolate and spice flavors. Impressive and big; drink now through 2017.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
Forceful and fully oaked, with dark, rubbery, minty black fruit flavors. The palate is a bit rugged but solid as granite. Tastes toasty and roasted, with black fruit and licorice flavors front and center. Rolls along well on the finish, showing lemon zest and clove notes. Drink now through 2014.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
Leathery and jammy smelling at first, then it settles on solid berry fruit and spice. Runs full and tannic in the mouth, with lightly herbal tasting berry and plum flavors. Shows some oak and ample spice on the finish. Plump, full and generous.
— M.S.
(12/15/2011)
Starts out with scratchy, edgy aromas of dried fruits, orange peel and tobacco. It’s fairly light in concentration and weight, with woodsy, spicy flavors of vanilla, oak and foresty fruit. Above average but resides in that upper-middle tier.
— M.S.
(2/1/2012)