Ruby-red. Huge, room-filling bouquet of fresh raspberry and strawberry, boysenberry, violet and magnolia, with suave Asian spices building with air. Deep dark berry liqueur-like flavors display striking intensity, with bracing acidity contributing shape and lift. Takes on a wild honeysuckle quality on the long, juicy finish, which leaves a strong impression of sweet dark berries. Very intriguing stuff.

Ripeness takes the reins early on here and this time overshadows almost all that passes as defined varietal fruit. There is plenty of chocolate to go with the wine's candied and grapey qualities, but there is also a surplus of heat at the finish, and we would bet against it finding classic focus with age.

Rating for United States-California-Central Coast: 90 (average year)<br/><br/>Drinkability: drink now<br/>