Coming from a single vineyard in the cooler Bennett Valley (although the site is so unique they don’t label this wine as from Bennett Valley), the 2017 The Integral checks in as 62% Syrah and 38% Mourvèdre that had the Syrah mostly destemmed and the Mourvèdre fermented with 100% whole clusters. Deep purple-hued with notes of smoke blue fruits, bloody minerality, charcoal, and graphite, it’s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, backward, and structured. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and it’s going to keep for over a decade.

A light-footed bruiser, opening with boldly expressive blackberry jam aromas before revealing a structured core wrapped in compelling currant, licorice and smoky beef flavors. Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2021 through 2028. 422 cases made. — TF