(WE92-94 points) This is a structured wine, with solid, smoky tannins. It has a strong core of dryness, tough at the edges even if rich in the middle. Blackberries and dark plum skins dominate the fruit flavors. It is going to develop well, although slowly.

The 2014 Grand-Mayne has a fragrant bouquet, perhaps more refined than in recent years with dried rose petals and incense fusing with the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp acidity and a gentle build towards a vivid, lightly spiced finish that maintains impressive delineation, perhaps less extracted and more precise than wines of the past. This is a superb Grand-Mayne that represents a subtle change in tack for the estate—one that this writer approves of. Tasted on three occasions and consistent every time. - Neal Martin

The 2014 Grand Mayne is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. Fragrant notes of sandalwood and Chinese five spice leap from the glass, with underlying hints of fruitcake and plum pudding. The medium-bodied palate is soft-spoken and plush, with soft acidity and a peppery finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Fleshy, with a hint of extraction as the core shows dark fig and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors, flecked with plum skin and mulling spice notes. A solid brambly tow on the finish stretches this out, while a lingering alder hint adds range. Best from 2018 through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,167 cases made. — JM