2016 Hermitage

Glass-staining ruby. A wild, expansive bouquet evokes an array of black/blue fruit, floral and succulent herb qualities, along with suggestions of licorice, smoky bacon and black cardamom. Stains the palate with concentrated yet lively, spice- and mineral-laced cherry, blackcurrant and boysenberry flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Shows impressive clarity and mineral thrust on the wonderfully persistent, dark berry-dominated finish, which is given shape by well-knit tannins.