The 2006 Mourvedre (60%) – Grenache (22%) – Shiraz (18%) is purple-colored with aromas and flavors of spice box, forest floor, earth, blueberry, and blackberry. On the palate it is slightly compressed but tasty with a moderately long finish. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; www.yalumba.com; Also tasted: 2005 Tempranillo-Grenache-Viognier “TGV” (88), 2005 Mourvedre-Grenache-Shiraz (89)

Supple, ripe and expressive. A plush mouthful of currant, blackberry and plum fruit mingling with coffee, cream and floral accents. The tannins are almost not there, but the finish just sails on and on. Mourvèdre, Grenache and Shiraz. Drink now through 2015. 325 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa Select to Add

In an unusual twist, Yalumba’s m/g/s gives Mourvedre preeminence in the blend (60%), followed by 22% Grenache and 18% Shiraz. The result is a wine that lightens some of Mourvedre’s dark fruit and tree-bark tendencies with a dash of raspberries. The wine’s alcohol level is restrained (13.5%), while still being ripe and round in the mouth yet finishing with some grip. Should age well, but there’s no need.——J.C.(8/1/2009)—— 90