2013 Wines of Substance Bx Super Substance Klein Vineyard

(15% alcohol, these 16-year-old vines on shallow soil in a windy site produced just 0.8 tons per acre of fruit in 2013; aged in 70% new oak): Healthy dark red. Vibrant aromas of currant and licorice accented by menthol and herbs. In a rather tight, medicinal, slightly herbal style, at once bigger and more backward than the Superb Substance Cabernets. Winemaker Charles Smith does a relatively gentle extraction of this fruit but this is nonetheless a powerful, dry, tannic wine in a classic style. The finish displays an intriguing mineral quality.