Pacific Rim Red Mountain Thick Skinned 750ml

Coming from the Kiona's Heart of the Hill vineyard and made from a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec and 10% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Thick Skinned displays a dark ruby core. Sweet oak aromas of vanilla, cinnamon and baking spices initially waft out of the glass, followed by notions of juicy black plum, dusty blackberry and spiced red cherry skin. Medium to full-bodied, the wine displays layers of complexity before peeling away to reveal fine-grained tannins that hold the generous frame together with delightful flavors of plum compote, black raspberry reduction and cardamom madeleines with vanilla pastry cream. The wine continues to evolve in the mouth for almost a minute on the long, lingering finish. Each variety was individually barrel-aged for six months in 50% new French oak before being blended and returned to the barrel for an additional year as a finished blend. At this price, the Thick Skinned performs beautifully and can stand up to wines almost twice its price. Bravo, I'm going back for another sip. Only 600 six-packs were made.  Wine Advocate 91+ Pts