LIMITED
 
94 Points Vinous
Limpid ruby-red. Mineral-tinged black raspberry, cherry cola, pungent flowers and exotic spices on the highly perfumed nose. Palate-caressing red and dark berry, spicecake and candied rose flavors show superb clarity, underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Concentrated but distinctly lithe in character, with a strikingly long, focused finish that features sneaky tannins and reverberating floral and spice notes.
 
93 Points Wine & Spirits
Mark Vlossak draws from windswept and shallow-soiled blocks at Temperance Hill, where the plantings date to 1984. This bottling is slow to rouse, earthbound and tobacco-scented. The fruit takes on a balsamic tone after a day of air, while the turf and cherry flavors feel balanced against each other, the warmth of the vintage translating to generous fruit and ripe but firm tannins.
 
93 Points James Suckling
Bright and vivid aromas of pure strawberries and cherries with hints of fresh flowers. Medium to full body with firm, chewy tannins and a solid finish. Smoky undertone. Drink after 2023.
 
Winemaker Notes
Dark cherry and blackberry aromas with black pepper, cinnamon/clove spices and cedar smoke. The mouth begins with a big hit of smoky spice and black raspberry with notes of roasted chilies and dried plums. The finish has loads of substantial skin tannins with plenty of juicy acidity that elevates the pallet, maintaining ample ripe flavors long into the finish. This is an especially intense Temperance Hill, reflecting the small berries and full ripeness achieved in 2018. This wine will stand up to blackened fish and grilled ribs with a smoky barbeque sauce without a problem. Its remarkably concentrated and will drink beautifully well past a dozen years.
 
Food Pairings
Pair with salmon, lamb chops, and pork tenderloin.