Bright violet color. Displays highly perfumed, spice- and earth-tinged cherry and dark berry aromas that take on incense and exotic spice notes with air. Youthfully chewy and focused on the palate, offering intense red and dark berry, bitter chocolate and violet pastille flavors that slowly stretch out as the wine opens up. Shows sharp definition and floral lift on an impressively long finish that's given shape by steadily building tannins.

From a vineyard planted in the late 19th century (no one is certain when) in the sands of Contra Costa County near Antioch, this youthful mourvedre still bears a mild varietal funk that frames the fruit. After a day open, smoke and brown sugar notes adorn the wine’s black-cherry flavors, with a tense, compact texture.