An 80/20 blend of Merlot and Terrano, the 2010 Ruje opens to dark and heavy aromas of black pepper and ripe fruit. There is a slightly meaty aroma of saddle leather or animal that might well worsen with time. This is an offbeat wine for sure with generous layers of tobacco, licorice, dried cherry and balsam herb followed by a thin and slightly astringent mouthfeel.