Dark magenta. A perfumed bouquet evokes ripe dark berries, candied flowers and licorice, along with hints of cracked pepper and cured tobacco. Fleshy blackberry, cherry-cola and floral pastille flavors show very good depth as well as energy and spicy lift. The clinging finish features fine-grained tannins and repeating floral and licorice notes.

Yes, the 2017 Wallace Shiraz-Grenache blend is heavily weighted toward Shiraz (as usual), but it's the Grenache that makes itself known on the nose, adding lovely florals and raspberries to the slightly darker toned fruit of the Shiraz. Medium to full-bodied, this is supple yet crisp-perhaps a bit youthful and angular-but finishes with silky tannins and plenty of length. In another year or two, it might rival the impressive 2016.

The smooth and lush berry flavors are supple and spicy, with tangy peach notes and a floral aroma that weaves in and out. The finish is focused and precise, showing touches of spice, tobacco and crushed pine needle. Shiraz and Grenache. Drink now through 2029. 2,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.