I rated the 2014 No 8 Cumulus Vineyard 99 points last year but found this bottle to be literally as good as it gets. Made from 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional and the balance Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah, fermented with 43% whole clusters and aged in close to equal parts new and used French oak, it offers a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, white chocolate, exotic spices, and graphite. This flows to a full-bodied wine that has off-the-charts purity and elegance, a deep, layered, multi-dimensional texture, not a hard edge to be found, and a finish that won’t quit. The 2014s are upfront and approachable (there’s plenty of similarities to the 2016s) yet this beauty is going to cruise in the cellar on its purity, depth, and balance. It’s a true “Wow” wine!

Composed of 38% Syrah, 33% Grenache, 16% Touriga Nacional, 7% Mourvèdre and 6% Petite Sirah, using 43% whole clusters, the 2014 Cumulus Vineyard #8 has a deep garnet-purple color and slightly reticent nose to begin of black cherries, mulberries and black soil with suggestions of menthol, tobacco, incense, sandalwood and chocolate box, plus a fragrant undercurrent of violets. Firm, grainy tannins frame the full-bodied, muscular palate with stacks of flavor layers, finishing with great delineation and finesse. Forget this beauty for three to four years and enjoy drinking it over the next 20+. - LPB