The 2012 Red Icon turns the tables on the classic Bordeaux blend, placing malbec in the lead role, followed by merlot and cabernet franc. Broad-shouldered and concentrated, it combines blackberry and currant fruit with vanilla and dark chocolate, lifted by a strong savoury edge that suggests smoked thyme. A steak wine par excellence, it should cellar well for a decade or more as the quality French oak becomes more fully integrated. Available direct, paintedrock.ca.