Naumes Family Vineyards, Rogue Valley (Oregon) 2018

 While Naumes’ GSM, a traditional Mediterranean blend, their SMP (Syrah, Mourvèdre and Petite Sirah) is more unusual.  Replacing Grenache with Petite Sirah changes the character entirely, creating a muscular, black-fruited wine.  Naumes, as always, avoids getting carried away.  They’ve created a bold, yet not overdone, red that delivers a wonderful combination of plum and pepper notes wrapped in fine tannins.  It’s a fine contrast to their red-fruited GSM.