PASO ROBLES | CALIFORNIA | $55
Aromas of dried dark fruit and old wood with a wisp of menthol lead to black cherry, red plum and dark berry fruit on the palate. Hints of cigar box, coriander seed, dusty calcium-rich earth and graphite with a firm tannin structure. Slight reveal of alcohol on the finish. A complex character we have here — depth and thoughtfulness counterbalanced by high-octane confidence. 38% Syrah, 36% Grenache, 26% Mourvedre. An excellent wine. (Reviewed 1/16/11)