2013 James Berry Proprietary Red

Brilliant purple. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes an array of ripe red and blue fruits, candied flowers and exotic spices, backed by a vibrant mineral overtone and a hint of smokiness. Utterly stains the palate with concentrated boysenberry, black raspberry, lavender pastille and fruitcake flavors that are enlivened by an intense jolt of juicy acidity. Shows an uncanny blend of richness and vivacity, with no rough edges and an endless, floral-driven finish framed by polished, harmonious tannins. I'd hold on to this wine for at least another seven or eight years but wouldn't fault anyone for checking it out sooner than later for its youthful exuberance.

Deep violet with a bright rim. Heady, smoke-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, floral pastilles and minerals, with a strong Asian spice topnote. Fresh, expansive and pure in the mouth, offering palate-staining black raspberry, cherry-cola and violet flavors. At once weighty and energetic, this very promising blend finishes with outstanding focus and sappiness and insistent florality.