Estimate
Dynamic and expressive, with impeccably balanced and refined violet, raspberry, river stone and black tea accents that take on richness toward well-buffed tannins.
From young, alluvial Woodburn soils, this has a very fleshy, energetic feel to the palate with a wealth of very rich, vibrant and succulent fruit with a sleeve of tannin that carries long and fresh. Rich and impressively silky texture.
Powerful, expansive red and blue fruit, violet, mocha and vanilla aromas are enlivened by a spicy nuance and a hint of smoky minerality. Weighty and velvety in texture... Plays richness off energy with a steady hand and finishes with gentle tannic grip, repeating blue fruit character and a late touch of star anise.
Notes of menthol and notably ripe if brooding aromas of black raspberry, briar and plum are laced with humus-like nuances. The medium-bodied and appealingly vibrant flavors possess a strikingly refined textured; indeed the mid-palate is silky, though there is excellent intensity and power to the tautly if finely muscular finish that also possesses excellent depth and persistence.
Smooth, supple and delicious immediately upon opening, it's a showcase mix of blue fruits, satiny chocolate, oolong tea and a tantalizing whiff of smoke.