Medium deep opaque purple color with dark red rim. Initial aromas redolent of blackberry and blueberry with underlying hints of red fruits give way to pleasing complex elements of vanilla and toffee. Soft, big, yet elegant mouth feel, rich, full body, density, superb balance and grip, lead to long, long finish, carrying intense ripe fruit and complex flavors. Soft, supple, dramatic, sexy wine with a compelling yummy factor that screams “drink me.”

Blend: Syrah and Mourvedre

Region: Jumilla, Spain

Artist: James Jean

Designer: Mr.Keedy and Basora

Winemaker: Oriol Illa

The idea to use the bourbon barrels came over a dinner years ago that I shared with my buddy Julian Van Winkle at a Southern Foodways Alliance meeting at Blackberry Farm in 2001. It was simply an idea that came up in conversation. Hey, let’s do something together. What about putting wine in used Pappy barrels? Okay, I’ll send you some. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen old, used bourbon barrels, but they’re ugly. When the winemakers first saw the barrels, they flat out refused to put wine anywhere near them. But, eventually they did and the result was not only delicious but magical.

The length of time in Van Winkle barrels varies depending on many variables: how many uses they’ve had, the wine, the year, the taste, the balance.