Seriously dark and brooding on the nose, this complex, tightly-wound wine unfolds over time in your glass, revealing layers of dark cherry, pomegranate, roasted chantarelles, dark earth, black licorice, roasted red meats with herbs, and graphite. Red rose petals, barrel spice, and tobacco are present throughout and linger on the finish.
The 2019 Estate Blend’s hallmark beefy texture overlays the flowing flavors as big structure sets in on the back palate and delivers a message that several to many years of cellar age will yield high returns when corks are pulled in the future.
97 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Estate Blend is comprised of 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan and 2% Zinfandel, matured for 19 months in 31% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, tones of tar, cigar ash and graphite give way over time to blackberry, blueberry and boysenberry preserves, prosciutto and violet. Full-bodied, ripe and concentrated, it offers pixelated tannins, seamless acidity and a youthfully coiled finish. It deserves 3-5+ years in the cellar to unwind.
97 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This blend of 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, 6% Graciano, 3% Carignan and 2% Zinfandel shows how a sum can be much greater than its parts. Deep, dark and hearty aromas of boysenberry jam, woodspice, mocha and loam lead into an extremely textural palate that's creamy yet tense with tannins. Suave cocoa, berry and graham cracker flavors ride an energized acidity.
95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Estate Blend checks in as 51% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 14% Grenache, 7% Tempranillo, and the rest Graciano, Carignan, and Zinfandel. It has a beautiful bouquet of ripe blue fruits as well as ground pepper, violets, and sappy herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a terrific sense of elegance, ripe tannins, and a seamless, compelling mouthfeel that makes it a joy to drink. Count me in as a big fan. It should evolve nicely for at least 7-8 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.