Big, ripe notes of plums, black cherries, and blackberries meld with nuances of minerals, herbs, and spice. A tad ripe but tasty, it’s hard to resist. Best for big, juicy steaks on the barbecue, a buffalo burger, or spice-rubbed baby back ribs. Drinkable now, this one will definitely age five to 10 years. Not a bargain wine at $42, it’s worth the price.
This article appears in Sep 13-20, 2012.

