Smooth, ripe and decadent. Not a big wine, but distinctive and focused on its smoky blackberry, cherry and charred meat flavors. It all lasts nicely against fine tannins. Shiraz, Mataro and Grenache. Drink now through 2016.

“The 2006 Playmates is composed of 92% Shiraz, 5% Mataro, and 3% Grenache. Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits aromas of toasty oak, leather, lavender, and blueberry. This leads to a medium to full-bodied wine with plenty of ripe fruit, excellent depth and concentration, soft tannins, and a long finish. It will evolve for 3-4 years but can be enjoyed now.”