(98+ points) Produced from 92% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah and 3% Viognier using 73% whole cluster and spending about 21 months in French oak (50% new), the 2015 Mourvedre has a deep garnet-purple color and a lovely spice cake, fragrant earth and fallen leaves-scented nose over the core of plum pudding, blackberry tart and black cherry compote, plus touches of anise and coffee. The full-bodied palate is packed with spicy, savory and earthy layers, with a firm backbone of grainy tannins and lively acid, finishing with lingering pepper and anise notes. This wine was reminiscent to me of Beaucastel’s Hommage a Jacques Perrin and when I mentioned this to winemaker Jim Binns, he smiled and said that was his inspiration. 130 cases were made.

(96+ points) The second vintage for the cuvée, the 2015 Mourvèdre (92% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, and 3% Viognier) saw a big chunk of stems (73%) and 21 months in 50% new French oak. Currants, smoked herbs, chocolate, licorice, and truffle notes all flow to a big, rich, powerful Mourvèdre that has serious meatiness, density, and length. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will keep for 10-15 years or more.