"Bright violet color. Powerfully scented with blackberry and blueberry, with a more serious licorice character coming up in the glass. Flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry and mocha show both depth and verve, sweetened by a touch of vanilla. Gains firmness with air and finishes with good clarity and length. Definitely shows the polish I've come to expect from a Ben Riggs wine."

"A deep garnet-purple color and a perfumed nose of violets, red berry preserves, blueberry pie, kirsch, licorice and a touch of smoky bacon. Very full, rich and voluptuous in the mouth, it has a medium level of velvety tannins and crisp acid to balance the flesh, finishing long with some spice layers coming through."