(a blend of 65% mourvedre, 29% grenache and 6% counoise; from fruit grown at an altitude of 2,450 feet): Good full red. Captivating nose melds flinty, smoky minerality, rose petal and wild herbs, plus a note of rust. Intensely flavored and vibrant, with noteworthy precision to the flavors of redcurrant, hot brick, green olive and flowers. The counoise component lifts the wine's fruit and adds the floral element, says winemaker Helen Keplinger. This lovely approachable blend is ripe and long. (ST)

This muscle-bound effort is firm and intense, with a smoky, meaty edge to the dried berry, sage and underbrush flavors. Full-bodied and tannic, this begs for cellaring. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Counoise. (JL)