Composed of 40% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache and the rest Carignan, Syrah and Petite Sirah, the 2009 Ritual Proprietary Red showcases the beauty of these Rhone Ranger varietals. Lots of pepper, roasted meat, herb and red and black fruit aromas tumble out of the glass of this dark purple-colored wine. Terrific fruit intensity, a beautiful texture and a heady finish make for a supple, velvety, luscious red to drink over the next 5-7 years. Tel. (707) 967-9380; Fax (707) 967-0724

Nearly as good as the beautiful 2007 released earlier this year, the 2008 Ritual (a blend of Mourvedre, Grenache, Syrah, and Petite Sirah) exhibits aromas of earth, flowers, blue and black fruits, meat, and kirsch. This supple, fleshy, medium to full-bodied red is meant to be drunk over the next several years. This tiny estate has a small production, but the quality of its wines is very high.Tel. (707) 967-9380; Fax (707) 967-0724