Edmunds St. John Rocks and Gravel 2005

"(A blend of syrah, grenache, mourvedre and counoise from disparate sources) Light red. Seductively perfumed bouquet of red berries, cherry, minerals and dried flowers; smells like a Burgundy. Understated strawberry and raspberry flavors are deep but lively, with zesty minerality adding urgency. An impressively pure, spicy wine, with terrific focus, poise and finishing thrust. This is ridiculously cheap."
-International Wine Cellar

Lovely dark ruby red with a little blue. Deep, very fresh nose of strawberry, sassafras, and underbrush, and the slightest whiff of menthol: very spicy. Beautifully satiny texture on entry, focussed and energetic, with vivid inner-mouth perfume. Suave tannins frame a deep core of gorgeous fruit. Finish is long and seductive. The balance here makes the 14.2% alcohol seem impossible. If I could make this wine every year I'd be happy.