The glass explodes with a bowl full of ripe red cherry and jammy red and black fruit.

The Durrell vineyard is so distinctive, it would certainly be ranked as a Premier Cru if California had such designations.

With an inky blue/purple color, a beautiful nose of camphor, charcoal, blueberry, blackberry, and some spicy but subtle new oak, the wine is quite full-bodied, powerful, rich, but with silky tannins and loads of glycerin. Black currant, braised fig and freshly brewed espresso. Muscular but well-integrated, delivering nice focus that carries through the lengthy finish....

Gorgeous nose of ripe black cherry with hints of sweet vanilla. On the palate it’s soft and luscious with flavors of dark plum and blackberry, with notes of cocoa and espresso, finishing with soft supple tannins.

Combining elegance and depth it shows good balance with richness and fine flavor. Aromas of wild berry and spice lead to layered, smoky blueberry and toasty vanilla flavors that finish with a zesty flourish of pepper. Grenache notes show through with black fruit, lavender, and a hint of cherry cola. Lush and ready to drink...