Deep garnet-purple, the 2014 Mangan (Malbec / Petit Verdot / Merlot) opens with ripe blueberry and cherry tart notes, as well as crushed black plums, spices and mulberries. The palate is taut with a great structure of firm tannins and a long, yeasty finish.

Deep and vibrant garnet-purple in color, the 2012 Mangan Vineyard Merlot Malbec Petit Verdot is a blend of 55% Merlot, 29% Malbec and 16% Petit Verdot. 83% of the blend is raised in 2- and 3- year-old French oak barrels for eight months. The nose shows aromas of red currant, red plums and crushed blackberries with hints of yeast extract, dried Mediterranean herbs and tree bark. Light to medium-bodied with a good amount of lively fruit flavors, the palate is framed by crisp acid and a medium level of finely-grained tannins through the long finish. Drink it now to 2018+. Imported by Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; info@oldbridgecellars.com

A blend of 38% Malbec, 32% Petit Verdot and 30% Merlot, the 2010 Mangan was fermented and aged for 12 months in 1-3 year old French oak barriques. Very deep purple-black colored, it presents complex savory aromas of game, yeast, soy and black olives over a core of ripe black currants, dried plums and crushed blackberries. Medium bodied with excellent mid-palate intensity of berry and savory flavor layers, it has crisp acidity and medium-firm fine-grained tannins, finishing long. Approachable now, it should drink best 2013 to 2019+. Vanya Cullen’s new releases continue to be a celebration of her soils. Uncompromisingly offering a tight collection of age-worthy wines from well established vines, Cullen’s wines are must-haves for anyone who values elegance and terroir expression. All of these wines come from estate vineyards that have been certified Biodynamic since 2004/5. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

Moving onto the reds, the 2007 Mangan (named after the single vineyard from which it comes) is blended from roughly 1/3 each of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Giving a very deep garnet-purple color, it has lovely aromas of dark plums, black cherries and blueberries with a heady perfume of violets, roses and allspice. Full, rich and generous in the mouth, it’s supported with a medium level of velvety tannins and medium acid. It should be good for drinking now to 2016. An outspoken proponent of Biodynamics, Vanya Cullen converted fully in 2006 and makes a strong argument for the methods and philosophy with her wines. When I met with her, one of her first major points is that their conversion to Biodynamics appears to allow physiological ripeness to happen earlier, meaning they can harvest earlier and make slightly lighter styles. The prime examples of this are her excellent Semillon Sauvignon blends – both 2009s came in beautifully flavorsome at just 11.5% alcohol. Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

The 2005 Mangan (Malbec / Petit Verdot / Merlot) has a medium garnet color, with mushroom and earth aromas, and leather and dried mulberries. This wine is mature, though still has plenty of life with a fleshy mid-palate and good length.