The 2006 Grenache Raven Series (92% Grenache and 8% Syrah with 26% whole clusters) was aged in 43% new oak including both small barrels and demi-muids. It is a slightly smaller production (880 cases) than the 2005 Atlantis Fe 203-2a. The 2006 Raven Series exhibits that chocolate character that very ripe Grenache can sometimes possess along with black cherry and black currant notes. Full-bodied and seamlessly constructed it offers hints of graphite licorice smoke and meat. The chocolate component appears to be vintage specific as I have not noticed it in other SQN Grenache offerings. This beauty a superb success in a challenging vintage is another example of how intensive radical work in the vineyard as well as meticulous attention to detail in both the vineyard and cellar can produce a prodigious wine in a less than stellar year.