Also tasted as a barrel sample, the 2016 Maury Sec Serge & Nicolas checks in as a blend of 63% Grenache, 23% Carignan and 14% Syrah, from 35- to 70-year-old vines that had the Grenache brought up all in tank and the Syrah and Carignan in demi-muids. Notes of strawberries, spice-box, licorice, violets and dried herbs all emerge from this beauty, and it's medium-bodied, silky and polished, with beautiful purity, solid mid-palate density and building depth and length. There's just a little over 1,000 cases and is going to be a smoking value.

A blend of 63% Grenache, 23% Carignan and 14% Syrah aged partially in demi-muids, the 2016 Maury Sec Serge & Nicolas (named after the estate manager and the winemaker) is a dark, brooding, representation of ripe fruit and crushed stone. Some brighter raspberry notes emerge with air, and while there's ample weight and richness, the wine is by no means heavy or overly weighty. It's a well-balanced but hearty red at a terrific price.

A blend of 65% Grenache, 23% Carignan and 14% Syrah, this opens with delicate earthy and spicy impressions, like tomato leaf, plum pit, licorice root, whole peppercorn and allspice. It boasts a crushed-satin texture on the palate, with pronounced but well-integrated tannins and soft acidity. The flavors are ripe and fruity, with final tones of cocoa and more sweet spice. It's layered and complex, and will drink well now-2024.