2010 Ovid Red

Full youthful ruby to the rim. High-pitched perfume of blackberry, licorice, violet, rose petal, minerals, espresso and bitter chocolate. Thick and rich on entry, then silky, intense and utterly compelling in the middle palate, with lovely sweetness and bright framing acidity to its intense dark berry, licorice, mineral, lead pencil and violet flavors. Dense and superconcentrated but not weighty, as there's plenty of acid spine here. Utterly seamless wine with a slowly building, suavely tannic, perfumed finish that leaves the mouth vibrating. This powerfully structured wine grew slightly inky with air, shutting down in the glass. Impeccably balanced but it would be a shame not to wait a bit longer. Twenty-four hours later, this wine came across as a bit less thick but extremely intense and bound by its sappy acidity.

The first wine in this tasting that still needs time in bottle, the 2010 Ovid is once again superb today. Beams of supporting tannin and acidity give the 2010 its sense of energy and thrust. Another few years of cellaring should allow the tannins to soften and the new oak of to integrate a bit further. Once that happens, the 2010 will be ready to provide thrilling drinking. Black cherry jam, chocolate, plum and mocha infuse the bold, structured finish.

Andy Erickson is the consultant. Located above Oakville Crossroad. Quite intense nose. Sweet and thick. For those looking for mass? (JR)