Medium depth of purple in the glass.  The nose, after a swirl, showed off vanilla, oak and black currants.  It borders on that aroma I don’t care for but I’m willing to overlook it today.  On the palate it is much less dense and not as powerful as I imagined it.  A slightly sour note hits right away that continues through to the mid palate.  Black berries, coffee and a dried herb note all come to mind.  The tannins start off gently but build up to a medium dryness by the mid palate and continue for a short finish.  Black fruits and thyme are noted on the back end.  Overall this is a tasty wine that I would pair with pasta, Kebabs or lamb chops.  89 points and 3 stars for this $15 wine.  Salut….