Opaque ruby. Smoke-tinged black and blue fruit, violet and cola scents expand with air, picking up suggestions of Indian spices and candied licorice. Appealingly sweet black currant and boysenberry flavors show serious depth as well as surprising vivacity. The spice and blue fruit qualities build on the persistent finish, which features supple tannins and a late jolt of cracked pepper.

Lastly, the inky colored 2012 The Dodd checks in as a unique blend of 48% Tannat, 23% Zinfandel, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Petit Verdot. Aged 18 months in neutral barrels and puncheons, it's impeccably balanced, has ripe tannin, medium to full-bodied richness and abundant notes of raspberries, blackberries, peppery herbs and spice. It's a great drink today, yet will evolve for a decade.