94 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "Darkly floral and intense, the 2021 Casual Encounters blends black raspberries with cedar shavings, tobacco, and exotic spice. This is elegant in feel, with silken textures and decadently ripe red berry fruits. Cooling acidity maintains a fantastic balance as dark chocolate and balsamic spice firm up the finish, tapering off long and gently tannic. The 2021 is juicy yet expertly balanced. Drink: 2025-2034. (Jul 2024)"
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Casual Encounters MSGC is composed of co-fermented Mourvèdre (47%), Syrah (36%), Grenache (14%) and Carignan (3%) matured for 24 months in 78% new French oak. It has gregarious aromas of boysenberries, blueberries, grilled meats and powdered sugar, revealing more nuance as it airs in the glass. The full-bodied palate has a plush core of fruit framed by chalky tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long, layered finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 542 cases were made. Drink 2025-2035. (1/31/24)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The nose on this blend of 47% Mourvèdre, 36% Syrah, 14% Grenache and 3% Carignan is extremely intense and dense yet utterly fascinating, showing blackberry, fig and chocolate-syrup aromas. The unctuous palate is toasty and rich, full of nutmeg, clove and mace spices that are balanced by luxuriously creamy tannins and a persistent acidity. Alcohol 15.9%. (Jul 2024)"
Producer notes: "If you’d known your traveling companion was an international spy, you wouldn’t have ordered the eight-course tasting menu. But here you are, overlooking hills of blackberry bramble and mulberry trees in the warm Golden-hour glow. A spread of candied almonds, complex ciphers, marinated Niçoise olives, Omega wristwatches, white-flower bouquets, clandestine daggers, suits all around with hands to their ears, Herbs de Provence, red pepper glaze, and the electricity of her lace-gloved hand on your knee. Agents are closing in, but you’ll be damned if you miss this sunset."
94 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2021 Casual Encounters MSGC is composed of co-fermented Mourvèdre (47%), Syrah (36%), Grenache (14%) and Carignan (3%) matured for 24 months in 78% new French oak. It has gregarious aromas of boysenberries, blueberries, grilled meats and powdered sugar, revealing more nuance as it airs in the glass. The full-bodied palate has a plush core of fruit framed by chalky tannins and seamless acidity, and it has a long, layered finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle. 542 cases were made. Drink 2025-2035. (1/31/24)"
94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The nose on this blend of 47% Mourvèdre, 36% Syrah, 14% Grenache and 3% Carignan is extremely intense and dense yet utterly fascinating, showing blackberry, fig and chocolate-syrup aromas. The unctuous palate is toasty and rich, full of nutmeg, clove and mace spices that are balanced by luxuriously creamy tannins and a persistent acidity. Alcohol 15.9%. (Jul 2024)"
Producer notes: "If you’d known your traveling companion was an international spy, you wouldn’t have ordered the eight-course tasting menu. But here you are, overlooking hills of blackberry bramble and mulberry trees in the warm Golden-hour glow. A spread of candied almonds, complex ciphers, marinated Niçoise olives, Omega wristwatches, white-flower bouquets, clandestine daggers, suits all around with hands to their ears, Herbs de Provence, red pepper glaze, and the electricity of her lace-gloved hand on your knee. Agents are closing in, but you’ll be damned if you miss this sunset."
| Product SKU | 348075 |
| Producer | Herman Story |
| Country | United States |
| Region | California |
| Varietal | Rhone Blends - Red |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Size | 750ml |
| Color | Red |
| Blend | 47% Mourvédre, 36% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 3% Carignan |
| ABV | 15.9% |
| Ships To |
