This powerful blend of 46% Syrah, 28% Graciano, 14% Carignan, 6% Grenache and 6% Mourvèdre is elegant and rich on the nose with layers of focused boysenberry jam, pie crust spice and dark violet. The palate's texture starts with a comforting softness before the tannins slowly rise to envelop the baked berry and cardamom spice flavors, with acidity sizzling long into the finish.

Opaque magenta. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes kirsch, cassis, spicecake, vanilla and candied violet; pipe tobacco and an exotic incense nuance builds in the glass. O!ers concentrated, palate- staining black and blue fruit, mocha, exotic spice and floral pastille flavors that show superb definition, and a core of juicy acidity lends support. Velvety in texture and alluringly sweet, finishing with powerful, spicy thrust, gently chewy tannins and superb, floral-driven persistence.

Another gorgeous wine, the 2019 Avenger (70% Syrah and 10% each of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan) is a full-bodied, rich, meaty, and powerful red with complex peppery, licorice, and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. Seeing roughly 25% stems and 70% new oak, I suspect it's going to benefit from short-term cellaring.

Offers torque and structure combined with deep currant, licorice and peppered beef accents, which gather tension toward medium-grained tannins. Syrah, Graciano, Carignan, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2030. 600 cases made.