Composed of 70% Syrah and 30% Merlot, the 2019 Variation One (Syrah / Merlot) has a deep garnet-purple color and is a little reduced to begin, opening out to notes of plum preserves and baked blackberries with hints of tar, rubber and black pepper, plus a waft of smoked meats. Full-bodied, concentrated and spicy, it delivers ripe, rounded tannins and a long, pepper-laced finish.