2013 Force Majeure Collaboration Series IV Ciel du Cheval Vineyard

More concentrated and dense than the upfront, sexy 2012, the 2013 Collaboration Series IV also has slightly less volatile acidity and is more classic in style. Offering lots of ripe black cherry, melted licorice, cedar, chocolate and even some kirsch liqueur, it's full-bodied, ripe and textured on the palate, with sweet tannin, excellent mid-palate concentration and a good finish. Like all of the wines from winemaker Carolyn Lakewold (that I've tasted anyways), it has elevated volatile acidity and won't be for everyone, yet there's certainly some charm and character, and I enjoyed a glass.