Deep garnet-purple, the nose unabashedly struts its stuff, giving up flamboyant plum preserves, blackberry compote, Black Forest cake and star anise notes with hints of Sichuan pepper, forest floor, lavender, lilacs, Ceylon tea and smoked meats. Big, concentrated and full-bodied, this rockstar is a powerhouse of energy, supported by a rock solid, firm and super plush tannins and finely knit freshness, finishing very long. Tantalizingly delicious now, patience will be rewarded here. Given this wine’s structure and intensity, it should easily cellar for 30-40 years. 370 cases were made.

A wine that?s going to flirt with perfection in another handful of years, the 2015 No 9 Cumulus Vineyard checks in as a complex blend of 45% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 16.8% Mourvedre, 10% Petite Sirah, 5% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Viognier that saw 42% stems and 34 months in 40% new French oak. Sensationally perfumed, with powerful notes of blackberries, graphite, crushed rocks, black pepper, and dark chocolate, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and incredible purity of fruit. This beauty has everything ? richness, acidity, density, tannins, and length. Give it a handful of years and it will keep for 10-15 years.