93 Points | International Wine Cellar , November/December 2011

(65% syrah, 12% petite sirah, 12% mourvedre, 7% grenache and 4% zinfandel; aged for 23 months in 42% new French barrels and puncheons; 16.1% alcohol):  Bright purple.  Black and blue fruits, licorice and cola on the highly aromatic nose.  Becomes spicier with air, picking up allspice, star anise and black tea qualities.  Rich but energetic in the mouth, displaying sweet dark berry and bitter cherry flavors and a hint of candied violet.  This sappy, precise blend finishes with excellent clarity and sweetness.