Clos Solène : Harmonie 2015

Refined and structured, with precise and zesty black raspberry, licorice and smoky meat accents that move toward big but polished tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 400 cases made.

Opaque ruby. Intense red and blue fruit preserve and floral pastille aromas, along with suggestions of Asian spices and smoky minerals that build in the glass. Sappy and deeply concentrated yet energetic as well, offering palate-staining black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors that are given lift and refreshing cut by a kick of juicy acidity. Shows a suave mix of richness and elegance and finishes very long and lively, with supple tannins sneaking in to add shape and grip.

A more Grenache-dominated cuvée, the 2015 Harmonie checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre and 14% Syrah. Its ruby/purple-tinged color gives way to a full-bodied, supple, sexy Grenache that offers tons of plum, black raspberry, incense, pepper, and exotic spice aromas and flavors. Like all the 2015s, it's focused and elegant on the palate, has fine tannin, and excellent length.

Candied rose petals, pomegranate, hibiscus, ripe red melons and a touch of baking spice show on the nose of this blend of 60% Grenache, 26% Mourvèdre and 14% Syrah. The palate is fresh and lively, with bright red fruit and carnation florality, made more complex and elegant by the dried herbs, pepper, juniper and charred beef finish.