Dark violet. Heady cherry liqueur, blackberry, licorice and sandalwood aromas are complemented by vanilla and woodsmoke accents. Shows outstanding heft as well as energy on the palate, offering plush black and blue fruit, candied violet and spicecake qualities and a peppery nuance that builds with air. Seamless and expansive on the strikingly long finish, which features well-knit tannins and reverberating vanilla and spice notes. 96 points