2005 Scholium Project Babylon Tenbrink Vineyards

(100% petite sirah from Tenbrink Vineyard in Suisan Valley) Deep, bright ruby-blue color. Pure aromas of black and blue fruits lifted by violet and licorice; slightly porty but fresh. Dense, sweet and hugely rich; downright confectionery but distinctly dry and primary in style. The concentration of fruit here is freakish, and the impressive building finish features a boatload of ripe tannins. This is actually 17% alcohol. Schoener noted the '04 version of this wine showed less overripe character, as there was more raisining of the grapes from dry winds here in 2005.