The 1999 Mourvedre/Grenache (65% of the former and 35% of the latter) sees about 10% new American oak. Sadly, the production was only 250 cases, but what a dazzling, full-bodied 1999. With notes of new saddle leather, blackberry, currant, and raspberry fruit, superb ripeness, a round, generous mid-palate and finish, and excellent balance, this is a wine to drink over the next 5-7 years.Note: Veritas was in the process of leaving importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283 at the time of printing.

The 1998 Mourvedre/Grenache (65% of the former and 35% of the latter) is made from vines that range between 30 and 100 years of age. A dark ruby color is accompanied by a big, spicy, black raspberry and cherry-scented nose, a creamy texture, full body, gorgeous levels of black and red fruits, a silky texture, and abundant glycerin. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

I am rarely impressed with Australian Mourvedre, or Grenache, Mourvedre, and Shiraz blends, but Veritas got it right with this offering. This wine is a dense purple-colored, full-bodied, powerful, lusty wine with explosive black cherry and raspberry fruit intermixed with scents of loamy soil, herbs, spices, and smoke. Nicely-textured, full-bodied, thick, and accessible, this knock-out wine should drink well for 10-15 years. Production was three tons of fruit per acre from 25-50-year old vines. The alcohol is 14%. Rolf Binder, who also makes the wines for The Magpie Estate, produces this astonishing, full-flavored, maximum extraction, ultra-ripe wine.