This fruit for this wine is sourced from Slide Hill, Full Draw, Rolph, and Bien Nacido vineyards in California. It spends four years ageing in oak barrels. Violet in color, partially opaque and bright. The nose is great with black cherries, black olives, black pepper and a slight sour cherry note. Full bodied. Firm tannins. On the palate, this is a big wine (15.7% abv on the label) but the fruit is clean and not raisined. It does need some air as it seemed a bit tired when opened but quickly got livelier with some air. Flavors of black cherries and sour cherries with some underlying char and spice. Long finish. This won't be for everyone but for those who like big, delicious wines, this should be popular. It will need big foods to match. This should work nicely with Ribs off the BBQ. Drink over the next five to eight years.
