Sanguis 2016 The Modern Proprietary Red, Santa Barbara 95 Points

Vinous 95 Points: “The 2016 The Modern is powerful, dense and explosive, with terrific energy underpinning the fruit. Dark cherry, plum, cedar, tobacco and licorice build as the 2016 opens up in the glass to show off its expansive textures. This opulent red needs time in the bottle to be at its best. The blend is 85% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Viognier and 2% Marsanne, most of it done in 400-600 liter barrels.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “Made from 85% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Viognier, and the rest Marsanne, 70% destemmed and aged 26 months in a mix of neutral barrels, the 2016 The Modern sports a deep purple/plum color as well as notes of gamey black fruits, ground pepper, smoked earth, chocolate, and spice. It’s a rich, powerful, full-bodied effort that has notable purity, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It should benefit from a year in the bottle and keep for over a decade.”

Tasting Notes: “A blend of 85% Syrah, 5% Grenache, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Viognier and 2% Marsanne, the medium to deep ruby colored 2016 The Modern offers blueberry jam, boysenberry preserves, chocolate-covered cherries and warm blackberries on the nose plus notes of coffee grounds and garrigue with loads of savory notions in the background—peppercorn, olive and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied and silky, it has lovely ripe fruits and savory layers, plush tannins and mouthwatering freshness, finishing very long on a chocolate note and with a touch of warmth