The 2006 Novillero is also showing slightly better than it was last year. An even more powerful wine at 15.6% alcohol, it is another intriguing blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, which gives uplift to the spicy, meaty aromatics, which also include creme de cassis, blackberry, licorice, and earth. It is a powerful wine, layered, extravagantly rich, and dark ruby/purple in color, as one might expect. This wine should drink beautifully for 7-10 years.

A rich, savory, full-bodied style, with bay leaf, dried currant, black licorice and sage notes that are firm and concentrated, fanning out on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 205 cases made.