Powerful, confident, liquorice and black cherry, this is a big-shouldered wine as it was en primeur. It's not yet softening to fully release the tight fruits, but this has a ton of promise.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Grand Mayne sashays out of the glass with flashy, upfront notes of preserved plums, stewed black cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of eucalyptus, wild sage, lavender and cloves. The full-bodied palate is seductively fruity with a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.