Light purple color. The nose shows plums and tart currants with a nice mix of pine sap, tobacco leaf, coffee grounds, some pepper and graphite elements. The palate shows tart acidity, nice tannins, a young but fresh and tangy feel with red and black currants, mulled blackberry. Notes of tobacco, pine tar, soy, some earth and graphite. Opens up nicely but could use a few years to unwind. 50% Merlot, 44% Cab Sauv, 4% Cab Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged 12 months in 25% new oak.

Vibrant purple color. The nose shows a warm but tangy invite with plums and currants, topped with spiced tea, pepper, anise, fallen leaves and dried violet petals. Medium-bodied, dusty tannins, fresh acidity, this is nicely balanced with tangy plum and currant fruit. Notes of smoky earth, pepper, clay and graphite add complexity, and I get notes of leaves and earthy mushroom tones. I’d like to see what this does in two or three years. 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.

Medium purple color. Aromas of tart currants, smoky berry compote, along with violets, cocoa, grilled herbs, chewing tobacco. A bit rough around the edges to start on the palate, the tannins have solid grip with moderate acidity and a mix of tart currants and black cherries. Notes of smoky earth, pepper, mushrooms, tar, chewing tobacco. Nice flavors but could use a few years to mellow out. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Light purple color. Aromas of plums and some red currants, alone with lots of black licorice candies, with some cocoa powder, coffee and coconut shavings. The palate shows chewy, smooth tannins along with cherries, plums and red currants. Notes of charcoal, earth, pepper, sage, some cocoa and anise. A sun-roasted feel but stays lively and fresh, too. Solid value here.

Light purple. Smells of currant and plum paste, with roasted figs, along with tar, violets, sage and pine. The palate shows zippy acidity, tart cherries and currants, with medium-strength tannins. Notes of violets, savory spices, pine sap, tobacco, with some roasted chestnut and morel mushroom tones. A lot going on here, this deserves two to three years in the cellar to show its best.