Estimate
Smooth and decidedly in balance, this is an elegant mountain-grown wine, 100% varietal, with a pungent opening of turned earth. Understated power builds a foundation of structure and expansive mouthfeel, with a juicy center of sharp red fruit, clove and dried herb. The finishing touch is a twist of salty oak and tea.
...dense and concentrated, with a full-bodied, mineral-laced style carrying impressive cassis fruits as well as notes of violets, crushed stone, orange blossom, and freshly sharpened pencils. It's a classic 2018 that shows the structure and purity of this great vintage. It needs to be forgotten for at least 4-5 years and should have 30 years of more of longevity. (March 2022)
A singed vanilla note drapes over a hefty core of steeped blackberry, black currant and dark fig fruit flavors, while licorice root and roasted apple wood notes deliver a well-structured and muscular coda, with a hint of cast iron. Feels like mountain fruit. Built to age, this is for patient fans of the slightly burly style.