Medium ruby color. Aromatically bright and floral, the red and black fruit smell deep but fresh, along with underlying notes of cedar, eucalyptus and mocha. On the palate, good grip to the tannins but they’re not harsh, moderate-low acid. Largely black fruits, tangy but rich. The wine shows a strong mix of charcoal, tobacco, gravelly road and cedar, yet maintains some elegant floral and spice tones. Impressive structure, this could use a few years to relax and seems easily capable of five to seven years in the cellar, but overall the wine connects in lots of the right places. Aged 17 months in French oak, 40% new, includes 4% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot.

Dark purple color. Rich and seductive on the nose, dark plums (pits, skins, the whole deal) black cherries, I also get some dark roast coffee, potting soil and vanilla cola aromas. Bright acid kicks off the wine but firm tannins for structure. The black cherry and plum fruit is tangy, like crunching through the skin, but oozes ripeness as well. Lots of mocha, dark chocolate and cola notes, some cedar, tobacco and coffee as well. Long and clean on the finish, this could age but already showing hints of elegance. Aged 18 months in French oak, 45% new, includes 6% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 1% dash of Cabernet Franc.

Bright purple color. The red fruit smells candied, like candied red apple and raspberry gummies, some sweet cola, sugared coffee and vanilla as well. Soft tannins on the palate, some moderate acid provides a refreshing tangy element against the sweet red fruit (raspberries, cherries). Flavors of mocha, caramel and roasted chestnut as well. A bit too candied and lacking a sense of individuality, but pleasant enough.

Bright and crunchy red fruit on the nose, sweet roses, some cola and a sweet herbal (eucalyptus?) note. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied but surprisingly fresh, the tannins are structured but fine and approachable. Juicy dark plums, some black cherries and currant fruit as well, the fruit is velvety but fresh. A hint of cola, sweet coffee and maybe mint? Good amount of mocha and cedar, but interwoven well. Long and creamy finish. Opens up wonderfully with time and gets even more smooth and silky. Aged 16 months in half French, half American oak, one-third new, this wine contains 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petite Verdot.

Vibrant ruby purple color. Aromas of bright currants and red cherries, some darker berry elements as well, but all the fruit is tangy and alive, backed up by notes of roses, vanilla, charcoal and tobacco. Tangy acid and medium strength tannins provide a good frame for the red and black cherries and tart plum fruit. A clean and bright wine with notes of charcoal, espresso, violets and vanilla add complexity. Really silky and pretty on the finish. Drinking well right now but could develop with some near-term cellaring. Aged 25 months in French and American oak, includes 4% Merlot and 1% Petite Verdot.

Vibrant purple color. Lush and inviting on the nose, dark berry compote, raspberry jam, dried roses, mocha and toasted oak. Full-bodied, the tannins are pure velvet, gliding across the palate with ease, a bit low on the acid. The fruit is bold, extracted and dark, like all sorts of berries thrown into a pan and cooked down with sugar and bourbon. Notes of toasted coconut, mocha and mint, significant cedar elements. Deep and loamy finish. So velvety and rich, big, bold, hedonistic, full of opulence, about as subtle as black metal (to which the label seems to pays homage). Not the most food-friendly wine, but I can’t help but enjoy its guts. Aged 18 months in 40% new French oak, includes some Syrah and Malbec.