The proprietary blend of 70% Grenache (80-year old vines), 25% Shiraz, and 5% Mourvedre, the 1999 The Ironstone Pressings was produced from yields of .5 tons per acre. It is a fabulously serious, concentrated effort with a dense ruby/purple color, great intensity, and a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur intermixed with blackberry, kirsch, and pepper characteristics. Opulent and seamless, with layers of flavor, this classic effort can be drunk now and over the next 18 years.

Firm texture, with a gamy edge to the ripe cherry and bittersweet chocolate flavors, which echo nicely on the sturdy finish. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. Best from 2004 through 2008. 1,000 cases imported.