Barboursville Vineyards – Octagon 2016 – Virginia

The nose is aromatic and offers a certain controlled power, a fine smoky side as well as a concentration/intensity. It reveals notes of wild blackberry, camphor, small notes of iris associated with touches of small fresh/ripe fruits as well as hints of graphite, small blue fruits, discreet hints of cardamom and pepper (in the background). The palate is fruity, well-controlled/precise, juicy and offers a good definition, a certain intensity, a small concentration as well as fullness, suavity and a small freshness. On the palate this wine expresses notes of wild cassis, pulpy wild blackberry, small notes of fresh tobacco associated with touches of camphor, sweet spices, small fresh red fruits (cherry, raspberry) as well as discreet hints of sweet spices, lily, toasted, a subtle hint of black pepper and an imperceptible hint of grilled (in the background). Tannins are precise and well-built.