Subdued initial aromas. Subtle oak and blackberry aromas emerge as the wine warms and airs in the glass. Bold black fruit flavors with moderate tannins and a little bit of spicy oak in the background. A little bit of alcoholic heat late in the finish when first sipped by itself on the first day. A hint of blueberry emerges in the flavors as the wine airs in the glass. Tannins smooth out a bit as the wine airs in the glass. On second day, aromas remain subdued. Flavors very much like the first day. On third day, aromas remain subdued. Flavors on third day show tannins and a hint of volatile acids in the initial flavors, with bold fruit flavors emerging after a bit of airing in the glass, although the hint of volatile acids remains. Overall, full bodied with prominent, but not overly rough, tannins that carry through the finish. At this stage, a wine that shows its character through flavors rather than aromas. Enough fruit in the flavors to stand up to the tannins, but a little more bottle age might soften the tannins and improve the wine. At its best on the first two days.
Big & Bold
