The 2014 The Nines (100% Grenache from the estate vineyard) is a sensational effort, and up with the finest I've tasted from the estate. Kirsch, black raspberries, spice and dried wild herbs all emerge from this opulent, silky, layered beauty that expands on the palate, has sweet, yet present tannin and a great finish. Hats off to the team for this beauty! This cuvée was fermented in concrete and aged in a combination of concrete eggs and French oak

Produced from 100% Grenache, the 2014 The Nines has a medium garnet-purple color and a slightly closed nose of black forest cake, wild blueberries, tar and exotic spices with touches of garrigue, underbrush and wild thyme plus a hint of Sichuan pepper. Very big, full-bodied, concentrated and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it has bags of red and black fruit supported by plush tannins, finishing long and spicy.

A powerfully scented, complex bouquet evokes ripe raspberry, cherry preserves, five-spice powder, vanilla and smoky minerals. Stains the palate with sweet red and blue fruit, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show a surprisingly light touch for their heft. Supple, slow-building tannins gently frame the broad, smoke-tinged finish, which hangs on with strong, floral-dominated persistence.