2017 The Third Twin Graciano | The Third Twin Vineyard, Los Alamos Santa Barbara County California 750ml

The fourth vintage for this cuvee...This inky hued beauty boasts a massive core of blueberry and cassis fruit as well as complex notes of sandalwood, cured meats, white pepper, and candle wax that all soar from the glass. With its full-bodied richness, silky tannins, good acidity, and a monster of a finish, this powerful, opulent beauty certainly offers pleasure today, yet it has the backbone and depth to evolve for 20-25 years... | 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com

Very deep purple-black colored, the 2017 charges out of the gate with blueberry preserves, blackberry pie, baked plums and fruitcake notes plus underlying charcoal, tobacco leaf, scorched earth, licorice and bouquet garni hints. Full-bodied, the rich, seductive black and blue fruit preserves flavors are well-supported by enticing tension, creating - along with a firm, grainy texture - impressive energy in the mouth. It finishes with great length and loads of savory sparks. Another one-of-a-kind masterpiece by the Krankls! | Lisa Perrotti-Brown