This blend has a deep, black plum color with a thin, bright red-cherry rim. A highly fragrant wine, herbs jump from the glass—dried sage, rosemary, thyme—a tour of the Provençal countryside. Sloe, blackberry and mulberries dominate the fruit character, but maturing notes creep in, too. Fallen leaves, dry-aged meat and bouillon cubes surface on the medium-length finish. The wine is taut from its bright acidity and lightly chewy tannins. Drink now through 2014.

— Published (3/14/2013)