Color: Dark ruby with deep purple highlights. Clean with bit of unfiltered haze at the deepest part of the glass. Bright with no sign of fading right to the rim.
Nose:Ripe plums and blueberries, and a wet stone and earthy mineral aroma. A little alcoholic heat, but not unpleasant.
Palate: Whopping blue and black fruits…Blueberries, black plums, vanilla, medium acidity but well balanced, alcohol is integrated much better on the palate than on the nose. Tannins are superfine and well integrated and sweet. Finish is mouthfilling and long 25+ seconds.
Overall impression: This is a huge QPR pleaser. Totally new world in style but done so well, with the oak assimilated well into the character of the wine. Big, big, creamy fruit with very up front vanilla.
I have to wonder how long something that is so big, yet balanced and delicious, would age and develop, but I think it is a good candidate for 5 to 10 years. It drinks so well now though.
BTW it is 67% Syrah, 16% Tempranillo, 12% Touriga Nacional, and 5% Cab.
Approximate retail: $18.99