2018 Saxum Heart Stone Vineyard

Glass-staining purple. Powerfully scented ripe dark fruit, potpourri, incense and olive paste qualities on the nose, along with a smoky mineral flourish that builds as the wine opens up. Boasts superb depth as well as energy and displays sharp definition to the sweet blackberry, cherry liqueur, fruitcake and candied violet flavors, which are sharpened by a jolt of spicy black pepper. Shows distinctly rich yet nervy character, delivering sharp focus, youthfully chewy tannins and a wonderfully long, dark fruit-dominated finish.

A rich, powerful wine based on 59% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 14% Touriga Nacional, and the rest Graciano, brought up mostly in foudre, the 2018 Heart Stone Vineyard's deep purple color is followed by killer notes of red and black currants, peppery herbs, loamy soil, and assorted meaty, spice notes. It has a Rhône-like spicy, meaty, savory character yet packs gorgeous purity of fruit, full-bodied richness, and sweet, polished tannins that are pure Paso Robles. Enjoy this brilliant blend any time over the coming 10-15 years. Along with the 2007, this is the finest example of this cuvée I've tasted.

Youthful purple. An expansive, smoke- and mineral-accented bouquet evokes sappy black and blue fruits, succulent flowers and herbs, incense and Moroccan spices. Supple and broad on the palate, offering juicy boysenberry, black raspberry, spicecake and violet pastille flavors that turn more lively as the wine opens up. Shows sharp delineation and floral lift on a wonderfully persistent finish that's given shape by velvety, finely interwoven tannins.