The 2016 Ripper reminds me of a top vintage of Marcoux Vieilles Vignes cuvée from Châteauneuf du Pape with its huge nose of kirsch, blackberries, ground herbs, blueberries, graphite, and melted licorice. This beauty is full-bodied and powerful, yet also elegant, seamless, and graceful on the palate, with fine tannins and a huge finish. It’s an incredible Grenache.

Densely structured yet blanketed in polished veneer, offering bold blackberry, smoky pepper, garrigue and river stone accents that take on speed toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2020 through 2025. 1,600 cases made.