Saturated ruby. Displays powerful, smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe dark fruits, licorice, vanilla and potpourri. Sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering lush boysenberry, cassis, spicecake and floral pastille flavors plus suggestions of mocha and cola. The floral note echoes strongly on an extremely long, sweet finish that's framed by harmonious tannins.

Less powerful fruit than their 2012, on first sniff. Firmer tannin too, although the same hard-edged acidity that provides very prominent structure. Almost austere in style, with tart blackcurrant fruit, and there seems to be a bit of heat on the finish. There’s less overt oak spice on the palate, and the finish has considerable astringency indicating plenty of ageability. No lack of polish, but perhaps bound by youth at present. (RH)