The 2019 Nuit Grave comprised of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault has a black ruby, just shy of inky robe. The nose is circumspect upon opening revealing more tar and tobacco than fruit, but a quit decant and warming from cellar temperature reveals aromas of violet, peppercorn, black cherry stone, with a dusty anisette wisp in the background, underlain with a dark loamy note. The palate is similarly reticent, but warms to reveal Italian plum, graphite, and game flavors astride an obsidian dark stony foundation girded by firm—not rustic—tannins and a bright flash of acidity on the persistent and lip smacking finish. This has real flair and though young shows great potential for mid-term aging (7-12 years).

Food Pairings: anything with blue cheese, burgers, roasted turkey and braised short rib with pasta.