The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) is a blend of 58% Syrah and 42% Merlot. It comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of stewed black and red plums, dried Provence herbs, cracked black pepper and hoisin with suggestions of mocha and bacon rind. Full-bodied, concentrated and densely laden with black fruit preserves and spicy layers, it has a solid backbone of rounded tannins, finishing long and peppery.