A broad, plush, nicely toasty style, showing ganache and mint notes backed by flavors of fleshy plum sauce and blackberry preserves. A big, mouthfilling, crowd-pleasing red, with a plush finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2016. – JM

The 2010 Grand Classique is a blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Malbec, 16% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot and 4% Cabernet Franc and is matured in 60% new French oak, the remainder second fill, for 18 months. It has a little more complexity on the nose compared to the 2009 Gravel Quarry, with lifted red berries, bergamot and salted licorice scents. The palate is well-balanced with a lithe, supple opening. There is a touch of sea salt infused into the plush black fruit, but it retains fine balance on the finish. Drink now. - Neal Martin