Austin Hope "Troublemaker" Blend 3

The good people at Austin Hope have hit another home run with the nonvintage Troublemaker Blend 3, Paso Robles. This blend of 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 5% Petit Sirah shows a pretty, deep crimson color in the glass. Beautiful notes of pomegranate, cranberry, pencil shavings, licorice and rosemary spring from the glass. On the palate there's a wonderful sense of balance with the sweet/tart fruit, mineral, hickory and rosemary flavors kept in check with fine-tuned acidity and nice tannins. I really appreciate the acidity here, something often lacking in highly-extracted Paso "Rhone Ranger" blends. Seems much more restrained than the Blend 2 I had last July. Finish turns a bit herbaceous/bay leaf and lasts forever and ever. A blend of wines from the 2009 and 2010 vintages and a stunning value at $17.