Coming from the Templeton Gap region (decomposed sandstone), the 2017 Plum Orchard is based on 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, 50% destemmed, brought up in 50% new 400-liter barrels. Ruby/plum-hued, it delivers a great bouquet of kirsch and black raspberry fruits intermixed with lots of spice, herbes de Provence, white pepper, and new leather. Full-bodied, beautifully pure, layered, and straight-up gorgeous, this elegant yet powerful Grenache does everything right. It actually reminds me of the Vieilles Vignes Cuvée from Clos Saint Jean in Châteauneuf du Pape.

Dark bright-rimmed red. Powerful, expansive red and blue fruit preserve, potpourri, allspice and succulent herb aromas are enlivened by a hint of smoky minerality. Smooth and velvety in texture, offering appealingly sweet boysenberry, raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that tighten up on the back half. Deftly plays richness off energy and finishes with gentle tannic grip, repeating blue fruit character and wonderful, floral-driven persistence.

Pale to medium ruby, the 2017 Plum Orchard is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. It was made with 50% whole cluster and aged 20 months in 50% new oak. It has enchantingly rustic aromas of strawberries, burnt orange peel, saline, leather, sour cherries and prosciutto. The palate is light to medium-bodied and intense but delicate, with its bright fruits laced with earth and bitters character, gently framed and mouthwatering on the long, nuanced finish. 122 cases were made.