From the Valley floor in Oak Knoll. Purple in color. The nose is nice with cassis, cherries and baking spices. The palate has medium tannins. Ripe cassis fruit and a bit of pepperyness. Drinks great on its own but would work with heavier foods. Drinks easy but there is some depth and should improve with some short term ageing. Retails for $65.
Not to be confused with the wine of the same name from the Valley floor in Oak Knoll, this is from Atlas Peak and is mountain fruit. This is a step up in quality and price. Inky purple in color. Very concentrated. The nose has cassis, dark chocolate graphite and char. On the palate, this is tannic. Concentrated cassis flavors. Fine tannins. It opens in the glass but could use some time/decanting. Nice balance. Good finish. A polished wine that should improve for the next five years. Will work on the dinner table or on its own. $85 retail.
Nice wine. It seems young and has a chance to come together and score higher. Right now, its more pieces parts. The nose is cassis, and some green bell pepper along with baking spices. On the palate, there are strong tannins. Plenty of cassis with some depth. Tight finish. I would hold or give this a long decant right now.
This is certainly a step up from the 2014. The question is whether it is the vintage or just the extra year in bottle. I suspect both but mostly the later. The nose has cassis and spice but none of the bell pepper of the 2014. On the palate, this has just a bit more precision and a bit more ripeness. Both are young and it will be very interesting to follow them. There is still room for this to improves as well.
