Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Amon Ra has youthfully toned-down notes of blackcurrants, blackberry preserves, plums and cracked pepper with nuances of licorice, dark chocolate, cedar and black earth.The palate has wonderful balance and elegance for its commendable concentration and fullness, with tons of muscular fruit and spice layers framed by grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with great persistence--Lisa Perotti-Brown

From vines between 50-130 yo, yield 2t/ha; open-fermented in 1 and 2-tonne pots, post-fermentation maceration, matured for 16 months in 100% new hogsheads, 95% French. Dense, deep inky crimson-purple; this is archetypal Amon-Ra, with black fruits, licorice, oak and almost anything more you care to name; taking no prisoners--you are either in or out.

Inky purple. Deep smoke and spice-accented aromas of cassis, blueberry liqueur, Indian spices and sandalwood, with bright minerality adding lift and definition. Lush, creamy dark berry flavors are youthfully fresh, with a spine of acidity adding vivacity. Very deep but improbably lithe, finishing with emphatic sweetness and clarity and gently tannic persistence. --Josh Raynolds

Expressive, with smoke, spice and sandalwood notes up front, featuring a generous core of plush, juicy and very ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. Vanilla, mocha and toast details linger on the finish. Drink now through 2028. 1,000 cases made, 600 cases imported. — MW