Bright medium red. The most port-like and chocolatey of these 2014s, with a superripe black raspberry aroma currently dulled by reduction. Huge and brooding on the palate, showing extremely dark flavors of licorice, purple rose and lavender. A hint of peppery acidity gives some relief to the middle palate but this youthfully sullen wine is a bit blocky and brutal today. I wonder if this wine wouldn't benefit from a later bottling but Landanger seemed intent on bottling these 2014s in January. My high score reflects this wine's sheer concentration and dimension, as well as an element of optimism.

Patrick Ladanger. Jasmine-scented red fruit, very pretty and inviting. A little chewy for now and the oak is still making quite a fresh imprint, but there is exciting tension from start to finish and a bitter-cherry raciness that darts, swallow-like, across the mouth. Very fine tannins pulled as tightly as violin strings. Softly cumin-spiced on a persistent finish. (TC)