2006 Noon Eclipse Proprietary Red

A blend of roughly 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah and the lightest, most elegant of the trio, the 2006 Noon Eclipse presents a perfumed, complex profile with sweet blackberry and restrained blueberry fruit, root vegetable, spice and a subtle undercurrent of thyme and lavender. It’s medium to full bodied in the mouth with gorgeous purity, a rich, yet light texture, impeccable balance and a long, seamless finish. This grew on me over the evening and held up admirably over the three days the bottle was open. If drinking anytime soon, decant. This is delicious now but has the capacity to drink well over the next 8 to 10 years.

Anyone concerned whether the 2006 Eclipse might be getting long in the tooth should just relax (assuming good storage). A blend of 87% Grenache, 8% Graciano and 5% Shiraz, it's floral and fresh on the nose, hinting at roses, bay leaf, dried spices and quinine, yet flowing with black cherries across the full-bodied, velvety palate and onto a long, complex finish. Sep 2018, www.robertparker.com