This is a juicy, fruit-forward, peppery/spicy red with just a touch of smoky oak. On the nose there is lots of candied raspberry, strawberry, and cherry fruit, along with lavender, vanilla, cedar, black pepper, menthol, and hints of earth, smoke, and cured meat. In the mouth the fruit is fresh, the pepper a bit stronger, some bitter cocoa emerges, and the rest repeats. The acidity is moderate and the tannins fairly soft. There is some alcohol heat which takes away from the balance a bit, but otherwise this is a very fresh, enjoyable wine. Give it a light chill to accent the freshness. Pair with barbequed chicken or lighter pastas. Tasted Jan. 2017.