I once had a girlfriend that told me “I like my men like I like my wine, big, rich and powerful.” Needless to say we did not last long; but she would have loved this wine, and so will you if you have a little patience: because it’s big, rich, and powerful, but unlike my ex, it’s one you can really grow with. At this point it’s still a little closed, but in the right glass, and with some decanting, you can see where it’s going. Fruity, green pepper, light raspberry, and a good oaky nose; followed by spicy cinnamon, green pepper, and sweet oak in the mouth … as my fellow taster said, “it’s ballsy” – and she sure has that right. It ends with a welcome medium finish that’s dry, but doesn’t stick around long enough to parch the mouth. This wine is a great cellar candidate and one my ex would have loved to drink right now; but to paraphrase the words of Lyle Lovett “I sure do love that wine, but I never loved that girl.” Raise a glass and cheers to good decisions.