Ruby in color. Soft aromas of dark cherry fruit, orange rind, cocoa, peppers, spice and black tea. Medium bodied, with subdued tannins. The balanced palate offers red fruits, bittersweet chocolate, smoke, and bright acid. Long finish. Pairing thoughts: a tender, grilled lamb chop, with salt and fresh ground black pepper; dry-rubbed barbecue of any kind (without too much sweet or heat); dark meat chicken cooked in red wine with mushrooms and herbs; pasta with a savory, meaty, reduced sauce…such a versatile wine that it’s hard to think of anything in the middle range of richness that it won’t go with!