2006 Agharta Rhone Red Blend Black Label North Coast

The 2006 Agharta Black Label is 84% Grenache, 14% Syrah and 2% Viognier. Jammy blackberries, exotic spices, rose petals, licorice, tar and menthol are some of the notes that burst from the glass in this explosive, rich wine. The 2006 is an intriguing wine layered with considerable complexity and plenty of nuance. Pax Mahle gave the 2006 a whopping 52 months of aging, 70% in oak (20% new) and 30% in stainless steel. The Agharta Black Label is the same wine Pax Mahle bottled as Pangea under the Pax label. Jazz aficionados will recognize that both wines are named for two Miles Davis live albums that were recorded live on the same day in Japan in 1975. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. - Antonio Galloni Review Date: December 2011