Ripe plum, black cherry, lavender and cocoa on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Polished and rounded with a plush, deep core of dark fruit. Lingering crushed-hazelnut notes on a long, concentrated finish. Drink or hold.

Clos de los Siete almost never fails, and this version from a ripe and easy vintage is just that: ripe and easy. Inky blackberry and black cur-rant aromas show a waft of campfire creosote, while this feels big and round, with plenty of mouth-blackening fruit. Oak-aided blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors come with a hint of herbs, while the finish is smooth and mild. Drink through 2023. Editors’ Choice

I think the 2018 Clos de Los Siete is the finest vintage of this blend that I've tasted so far. In this cooler year, it's a blend of 55% Malbec, 19% Merlot, 12% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It has good ripeness (14.5%), juicy but fresh and balanced, tasty, with full flavors and fine tannins. Seventy percent of the wine matured in 225-liter French barriques for 11 months. Instant gratification at a great price. 988,000 bottles produced. Rating: 91(+)