Reminding me of a top 2010 Châteauneuf du Pape (the 2010 Raymond Usseglio Cuvée Imperiale to be exact), the 2011 James Berry Vineyard is a blend of 69% Grenache, 13% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 2% Counoise, and a splash of Roussanne, that was aged in a combination of concrete (Grenache) and larger oak puncheons. A fresh, detailed and more elegant example of the cuvée, it offers gorgeous notes of ripe berry fruit, loads of exotic spice, violets, pepper and lavender to go with a full-bodied, beautifully pure and layered profile on the palate. It’s no blockbuster, but has loads of energy and tension, as well as class and refinement. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy it over the following decade or longer. (JD) 96+