02 L'Ecole No. 41, Seven Hills Vineyard Estate Syrah

The 14.9% abv is initially nerve-racking, but the wafting aroma that filled the room when I opened this wine--fresh pepper and day-old sliced plums--convinced me that I had to give it some time. The alcohol is glycerine instead of distillate, and merges with sinful flavors of blueberry compote, chocolate-covered raisins, and cherry syrup. Three days later, evaporating in the decanter I left on the side table, the wine is less brambly, but still full-on with fruit.