Black fruit, violets, smoke and dried herbs on the nose. Tar and charcoal, too. It's full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Concentrated and racy on the palate with a velvety texture. Spicy and flavorful finish. A blend of 97% syrah, 2% mourvedre and 1% grenache.

Deep ruby. Sexy, deep, varietally expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry, mocha, cured meat, black olive, licorice pastille and violet. Densely packed, savory and alive; more concentrated, tactile and deep than the regular Syrah, showing a more three-dimensional texture and an element of mineral lift to its sweet dark berry, black olive and spice flavors. Finishes quite long, with lingering sweetness and big, broad, ripe tannins that saturate the palate without going dry. This is way beyond the entry-level Syrah in depth and dimension.

Blackberry and other dark-fruit aromas meld with notes of smoked meat, coffee and mineral. The palate packs a big wallop of rich, layered black-fruit flavors, with plenty of tannic structure to provide support. It's a power-packed, hedonistic delight.