This shows an enticing bay leaf note, with juicy blackberry and black currant fruit up front, followed by melted licorice and a tarry edge on the finish, underscored by a roasted alder accent. This has the friendly, racy fruit of the vintage, with some distinct character to boot. Best from 2014 through 2025. 6,500 cases made.

Tasted from two different foudres; #1: Sexy, floral-accented aromas and flavors of blueberry and candied cherry. Spicy and energetic, with good clarity and lift. #2: Deeper and darker in character, showing intense cassis and licorice character and round, velvety tannins. The final wine should be as approachable as most '11s but with more heft and dark fruit character. I also detected less wild qualities in these samples than I've seen in recent vintages at Pegau. I daresay the ultimate wine could be downright polished. 91-93