Here Merlot from Black Sage Bench’s Diamondback Vineyard is splashed with 9% Cabernet Franc and 2% Syrah and rests for 18 months in new, 1- and 2-year-old French oak before a further 18 months of bottle aging. The result is deep cassis, wild blackberry, thorn and a light smoke nose. The deep palate is full with black smoked plum, cedar, dark chocolate and fine clove spices, ending with a bitter tobacco leaf/espresso note. Tannins are firm, but smoothed over — all that additional aging served this big wine well, and it will continue to meld for another 2 to 4 years. Pour with rosemary lamb medallions now.
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