Translucent ruby. Smoke-tinged black raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by hints of cola, exotic spices and potpourri. Sweet and energetic in the mouth, offering pliant red and dark berry and spicecake flavors; rose pastille and mocha nuances build with air. Concentrated but also vibrant and precise, delivering firm finishing cut, well-judged tannins and impressive, spice-driven persistence. 32% new oak.

Sweet and pretty berry and cherry fruit flavors abound, done in an overall light but inviting style. Aged in 32% new French oak, the fruit is accented with touches of almond and chocolate. The underlying impression is that this is a wine designed for finesse rather than power, and it should cellar well over another half decade at least.