Lively raspberry and blackberry fruit forms the core here, with juicy intensity running through the bramble-edged finish, revealing a light flash of tobacco. Not big, but fresh and engaging, with light-handed toast at the end. Drink now through 2028. 4,167 cases made.

The medium garnet-purple colored 2016 Carlmagnus features pronounced cedary notes over a core of red and black plums and black cherries plus hints of tobacco and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is very firm and chewy with attractive freshness and a woody finish. If the structure settles and the fruit emerges to fill out this ambitious frame, it could well exceed my expectations.

The 2016 Carlmagnus has come together well during its elevage. Super-ripe cherry, kirsch, vanillin and spice give the wine its racy, flamboyant personality. The oak, so overpowering when the wine was in barrel, has integrated somewhat, yet remains evident.