Bright violet. Spice-accented cherry pit and blackberry on the perfumed nose and in the mouth. Shows gentle sweetness and spicy lift, picking up a hint of olive with air. Dusty tannins shape the finish, which hangs on with good tenacity. 88 points.
Vivid ruby. Smoky cherry and blackberry preserve aromas show good clarity; licorice and vanilla nuances add complexity. Lush and creamy on the palate, offering gently sweet boysenberry and floral pastille flavors and a spicy hint of cracked pepper that builds in the glass. The smoke and vanilla qualities come back on the finish, which is framed by supple, even tannins. 89-90 points.