2023 Red Wine Brain Teaser

The 2023 Red Wine Brain Teaser (tasted from barrel) offers a striking mix of red and blue fruit, peppery spice and savory grip as it completes its 21-month élevage. Extroverted and confident yet cool-toned, it releases aromas of crushed rocks, iodine, forest floor and violet with aeration. Structured and persistent, the 2023 has a muscular frame that promises a bright future, even if it's shut down and tight today. I can't wait to taste it from bottle. The blend is 33.6% Grenache, 30.8% Syrah, 17.5% Petite Sirah, 15.4% Graciano and 2.7% Mourvèdre, done with 23% whole clusters. 
- Billy Norris (08/2025)

A Southern Rhône-like blend of 33.6% Grenache, 30.8% Syrah, 17.5% Petite Sirah, 15.4% Graciano, and the rest Mourvèdre, the 2023 Red Wine Brain Teaser was fermented with 23% whole clusters and is aging in 38% new French oak. Vivid ruby/purple in color, it offers a beautiful mix of red and black berries, peppery spice, sappy spring flowers, and rosemary. Medium to full-bodied, it’s impeccably balanced, with ultra-fine tannins and a seamless, textured mouthfeel. As is typical for this estate, the wine emphasizes finesse and elegance as much as richness and power. Don’t miss it. (04/2025)

The 2023 Brain Teaser Red Wine is a blend of 33.6% Grenache, 30.8% Syrah, 2.7% Mourvèdre, 15.4% Graciano, and 17.5% Petite Sirah. 23% whole clusters were included in the fermentation and it was aged for 21 months in French oak, 38% new. Deep garnet-purple, it has the most fragrant nose of candied violets, anise, and roses, leading to a core of wild blueberries, juicy plums, and black raspberries. The full-bodied palate is plush and lively with bags of perfumed fruit and a long finish. A real head-turner! The vineyard sources this year are Bien Nacido, Stolpman, Rancho Boa Vista, Sanger, and Alta Mesa. 650 cases were made. (08/2025)

This red wears its suave coating of spiced dark chocolate, roasted plum and blackberry well, layering elegant details of dianthus and herbes de Provence with richer tones of cassis and singed orange peel that come together harmoniously on the finish around integrated tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Graciano and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2040. 650 cases made. 
- Aaron Romano (05/2026)