Saturated medium ruby. High-pitched nose combines blackberry, licorice pastille, violet, bitter chocolate and crushed rock aromas, complicated by a slightly medicinal menthol quality. The most structured and backward of these single-estate Bramare Malbecs, with terrific calcaire minerality energizing and perfuming the middle palate. Finishes very long and firm, with restrained sweetness. This is more juicy than fleshy or full-bodied, and a style of wine that Paul Hobbs probably would not have made just six or seven years ago. It should age slowly and well. (14.2% alcohol)

Elegant, offering a focused mix of dark cherry, plum and currant flavors, knit together by polished tannins. The fine-grained finish is long and well-spiced, with minerally richness. Drink now through 2025.