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.
95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Casual Encounters checks in as a mix of 47% Mourvèdre, 36% Syrah, 14% Grenache, and 3% Carignan that was aged 24 months in 78% new French oak. It’s another rockingly good, exotic wine from winemaker Russell From that has gamey red and black fruits, cured meats, pepper, and sandalwood-like aromas and flavors. With full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mouthfeel, and sweet tannins, it’s another absolutely singular effort to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years.
94 Points, 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.
