This tastes like a hot, simple wine whose berry, cherry and bacon flavors have been acidified, making it strangely unbalanced. It finishes on the sweet, jammy side. Made of roughly equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache.——S.H.(11/1/2011)—— 84

The 2007 Tres Violet (58% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and 12% Mourvedre) exhibits floral, blueberry, red berry, plum, earth, and new saddle leather characteristics as well as medium body, a Mediterranean-like personality, and good texture and length. It should drink well for 5-6 years. Tel. (805) 239-0289; Fax (805) 239-0916