2016 Parvata

Aromas of deep red and dark plums, chocolate and dark cherries lead to a palate that has bright, pure and fresh fruit appeal. The tannins are polished and the spicy, supple fruit cascades through the finish. A blend of mourvedre, syrah and grenache. Drink over the next six years.

There are only 325 cases of the 2016 Parvata, a blend of 69% Mourvèdre, 21% Syrah, and 10% Grenache brought up in 30% new, mostly larger barrels. Deep ruby-colored, with a beautiful bouquet of black raspberries, white pepper, spiced meats, and graphite, this hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and beautiful length.

(aged in 20% new oak as well as some larger-format barrels up to 500 liters): Bright ruby-red. Musky scents of dark cherry, blueberry, cinnamon and tree bark are complicated by higher-pitched hints of white flowers, grapefruit and white pepper (I was reminded of a Châteauneuf du Pape from the likes of Vieux Donjon). Offers captivating finesse of texture, showing more detail and inner-mouth lift than the '15 version. Finishes with a ripe suggestion of mocha and subtle length, its firm tannins avoiding hardness. Classic 2016 verve and definition here. (14.9% alcohol)