A joint venture between Eric Solomon and Jean-Marc Lafage, Tessellae Old Vines is assembled from vineyards on the black schist and clay-limestone soils that Jean-Marc Lafage farms near Maury in the Upper Agly valley. A blend of Grenache (40%), Syrah (40%), and Mourvèdre (20%), it is harvested by hand, fermented for a month after a short pre-fermentation maceration, and aged entirely in concrete tanks.

Full-bodied with ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur, dark berry, plum, dried florals, wild herbs and dark spice flavors smooth on the palate.

Lot's of bang for the buck at $17. L Plenty more BANG at $10.