After a toast, he sipped the wine, and with his typical bright smile, turned to me and said, “This is delicious.” I was flattered. “Why do you make Carignan,” he then asked? An answer was hard to come by, so I changed the subject.

Rather tight at the moment, but well-structured and refined, with cherry and currant flavors accented by notes of underbrush and cedar as this builds tension toward wiry tannins.

This sturdy, well-concentrated Merlot-based blend offers tempting black and blue fruits, velvety tannins and an almost sweet fruitiness that leads to a lingering finish. Notes of cocoa, vanilla and chocolate cherries give plenty to appreciate. Best through 2030. 92 POINTS

The result is an aroma of toasty almond and ripe mango, plus a rich palate of chamomile, peaches, and notes of vanilla. A hint of oak lingers in the long finish.