($115; includes 7% syrah; scheduled to be released in November, 2008) Glass-staining ruby. Intensely aromatic nose shows a wild bouquet of fresh red berries, Asian spices, black olive and pungent herbs. You could wear this, but then you'd have to fight off the wine geeks like the guy in the Hai Karate ads. Lush and sweet, with deep raspberry and mulberry scents braced by firm minerality and silky tannins. The finish echoes the luscious berry flavors and seems to cling endlessly.

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2005 ATLANTIS Fe203 2A: Another brilliant 2005 (93% Grenache and 7% Syrah), it has put on weight and seems to be developing more complexity. California's cooler year seems to have given all the top 2005s loads of perfume and distinctive aromatics. Oodles of kirsch, licorice, charcoal and floral notes along with some blacker fruit characteristics jump from the glass of this dense bluish/purple wine. Medium to full-bodied, yet extraordinarily elegant for a Grenache, with beautiful purity in its hints of white chocolate and forest floor and its admirably textured, long finish, this wine is still young but approachable thanks to its aromatics fireworks, yet should last for an additional 10-15 years.

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Complex aromas of dried blueberry, mineral, sage and espresso. Finishes with taut tannins and lovely floral and spicy nuances that give it a sense of authenticity. 990 cases made.

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Consumed over two nights. Better on night one but still fantastic on night two. Both nights had melted licorice, black fruits and currant. Night two the meaty, earthy, coffee flavors showed up on the finish. I like the 2006 Raven series a bit more but this one is still a winner!