The 2018 Pirate TreasuRed Red Blend is composed of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Petite Sirah. Deep garnet-purple colored, it is a tad closed to begin, soon unfurling to reveal notes of stewed black plums and black cherry preserves with underlying notes of tar, rubber, Sichuan pepper, and bacon rind, with a touch of dried herbs. The concentrated, full-bodied palate is jam packed with pepper-laced black fruits, supported by ripe, rounded, approachable tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and savory.

A blend of six different grape varieties, the 2018 Pirate TreasuRed offers up an attractive mélange of berry fruit, asphalt, black olive, cinnamon and vanilla (it spent 22 months in French oak, 42% new). It's full-bodied, ripe and velvety but then a bit tart and simply fruity on the finish. - JC