Dense and chewy, with tiers of extracted blackberry, mocha, black licorice, road tar and tobacco leaf. Very tight and focused, offering a long, persistent finish. Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2025. 816 cases made. –JL

The 2011 Casual Encounters checks in as a blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre that spent 16 months in 45% new French oak. Pure, elegant and streamlined, with classy blackberry, crushed flowers, peppery spice and licorice, it is medium to full-bodied, pure and nicely textured on the palate. It shows the cooler nature of the vintage, yet still has lots of character and texture. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years. - Jeb Dunnuck