The wine is a deep ruby color in the glass, just as you might expect from the heavy hand of these varietals. A gentle swirl of the glass reveals aromas of blueberries, prune, dried moss and undertones of mint and anise. Take a sip and your tastebuds surprise you with a rush of fresh ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and plum, that transition to notes of subtle spice and earthy gravel, intertwined with a dark espresso. The tannings are still quite robust, leading you to the smooth, dusty dry finish that lingers through your next sip.
Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 8.5, as it's drinking wonderfully right now, and at just $20, you could easily sip this throughout the week. This wine would pair well with a variety of hearty, earthy dishes, from duck to wild mushroom risotto, grilled lamb to a smoked curry. Tonight I am taking a completely different road and enjoying this wine with some quick tacos before my second to the last performance this evening. Cheers!
