The 2018 Justine checks in as a blend of 61% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, and 16% Syrah from throughout the Columbia Valley It saw 15% stems and was brought up in a mix of 80% neutral barrels and 20% in concrete tanks. Lots of Grenache red and darker berry fruits as well as notes of peppered meat, herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and flowers give way to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, seamless red blend that has a round, expansive mouthfeel, no hard edges, ripe tannins, and a wonderful finish. This is another gorgeous, singular, beautifully balanced wine from this team that does everything right. Don't miss a chance to try this beauty, which certainly overdelivers at the price point.

Good dark red. Slightly liqueur-like nose offers aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, peppery herbs and mocha, plus a whiff of milk chocolate; less meaty than the 2017 but very aromatic. Moderately sweet, smooth, seamless and easygoing, with raspberry and redcurrant fruit flavors complicated by mocha, smoke and spices. Very seductive wine with no edges, but easygoing acidity gives lift to the rather plump middle palate. Finishes with suave, dusty tannins and excellent subtle persistence. This is balanced to drink young, but has the vinosity for several years of development in bottle. A lovely showing. (ST)