Somerston Wine Co. Somerston Stornoway 2012 750ml

The 2012 Red Blend Stornoway is a bit darker and richer than the estate’s Cabernet, but it doesn’t have that wine’s sheer immediacy and appeal. Hints of tobacco, smoke, cherry compote and licorice emerge over time, but the Stornoway remains compact and not fully expressive. (Antonio Galloni)

The 2012 Proprietary Red Blend Stornoway, which is a blend of primarily Merlot with a nice healthy dose of Cabernet Franc, shows notes of Asian plum sauce mixed with foresty notes, underbrush, red and black currants, mocha and chocolate. It’s a nice chunky, fleshy wine to drink over the next decade.